A Short Course on Patent Reference for Science and Technology Librarians.

Abstract

The article discusses patent reference for librarians in U.S. science and technology libraries. The three types of patents in the country, namely, utility, design and plant patents, are described. It stresses the need for inventors to file with each national and/or regional agency as there is no overall patenting agency that issues international patent. Also explored are the parts of a patent, which are the front page, drawings, specifications and claims.