How to Search Copyright / Trademark / Patents (Start Here)
- USPTO Patent Search: Search all U.S. patents and published applications. Returns full patent documents, claims, drawings, prosecution history. Free. Search →
- USPTO Trademark Search (TESS): Search registered and pending trademarks by name, owner, or serial number. Returns mark details, registration status, goods/services. Free. Search →
- Copyright Office Search: Search registered copyrights from 1978 forward. Returns title, author, claimant, registration date. Pre-1978 requires in-person search. Search →
⚠ Key: Patents and trademarks are at USPTO. Copyrights are at the Library of Congress. These are completely separate systems. State-level trademarks are at each state’s Secretary of State.
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What Each System Returns vs Excludes
| System | Returns | Excludes |
|---|---|---|
| USPTO Patents | Full patent documents, claims, drawings, prosecution history | Trade secrets, unpublished applications (18mo delay) |
| USPTO Trademarks | Registered/pending marks, status, owner, goods/services | State-level trademark registrations |
| Copyright Office | Registered works 1978+, title, author, claimant | Pre-1978 records (in-person only), unregistered works |
Use the databases below to search copyright / trademark / patents.
Copyright Records
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U.S. Copyright Office database of copyright records from 1978 to present.
Patent Assignments
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United States Patent and Trademark Office database of Patent Assignments.
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Trademarks | Appeals
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United States Patent and Trademark Office Trial and Appeal Board appeal case records.
Trademarks | Assignments
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Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office for Trademark Assignments.
Trademarks | Disputes
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Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office for trademark disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to search copyright / trademark / patents? ▼
Start with the primary database listed above. Each system is specialized — use the Returns vs Excludes table to identify which one matches your needs.
Why does my search return no results? ▼
Federal databases only cover federal-level data. If you need state or county records, go to the specific state page. Federal and state systems are completely separate.
Is there a single database for all these records? ▼
No. Each federal agency maintains its own system independently. You must search the specific agency that handles the record type you need.
Other Federal Databases
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