Applying for Patents | USPTO This page provides information on the types of patents and types of patent applications, and the examination process It also covers how to conduct a preliminary search and find registered patent practitioners to help with your application We also walk you through how to file your application electronically or by mail
Search for patents | USPTO Find existing patents, published patent applications, and other published patent documentation
Patents Dashboard | USPTO Patents data at a glance April 2026 The Patents Dashboard provides important data on USPTO patent operations Access refined pendency information, as well as other critical indicators such as the number of applications in the backlog, production, staffing and more This tool provides the intellectual property community with a better understanding of USPTO’s processes and enables applicants
Patent Public Search Basic | USPTO Query building guidance To start a quick lookup, enter a single patent or publication number and select the Search button To start a basic search, select a search field, enter your search term, and select the Search button For example, to search for the keywords 'horse blanket', select Everything from both of the Basic Search dropdowns Type 'horse' in the top text box, select 'AND' from the
Forms for patent applications | USPTO Due to the enactment of the America Invents Act in 2012, this page contains forms for patent applications filed on or after September 16, 2012
Patent Public Search | USPTO The Patent Public Search tool is a web-based search application for patents and patent application publications Patent Public Search has two user-selectable modern interfaces that provide enhanced access to prior art The new, powerful, and flexible capabilities of the application will improve the overall patent searching process
Search for Application | USPTO Logged in registered users can enter complete or partial Attorney Docket Numbers to retrieve a list of applications The user can search by Attorney Docket Number on the Patent Center homepage The system can perform a wild card search when the user enters in an * and a partial Attorney Docket Number
File Online | USPTO File a patent application online with Patent Center Patent Center is available to all users for electronic filing and management of patent applications in a single unified interface Patent Center features a training mode, which is a simulator to practice filing Visit the Patent Center Information page for more information Open Patent Center Patent Application Initiatives Prioritized
How to apply for a patent | USPTO See application requirements The Applying for Patents guide provides information on the required parts, form, and content of a patent application for each type of patent