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The public domain : how to find & use copyright-free writings, music, art & more /
Fishman, Stephen.
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Featured Resource
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) »
Patent resources on this site:
Patent search tips:
- Full-text searching of patents is available back to 1976.
- Pre-1976 patents can only be searched by patent number or class/subclass.
- Viewing images requires free TIFF software.
- Patent applications may also be searched back to March 25, 2001.
Trademark resources on this site:
- search existing U.S. trademarks
- application forms
- fee schedules
- design manual (for describing and searching trademark images)
Related Databases
Use these resources on any Chicago Public Library computer or on non-Library computers with your Chicago Public Library card.
ABI/INFORM »
Follow developments with patents and trademarks in your industry, and keep up with issues in intellectual property through articles from leading business magazines and journals.
Gale Encyclopedia of Everyday Law »
Learn about the historical development and issues related to copyright, patents, and trademarks in the United States.
ProQuest Congressional »
Find congressional publications (especially hearings) and Congressional Research Service reports on intellectual property issues.
Search in the Library
Featured CPL Collections and Programs
- Business, Science and Technology Division »
As a Patent and Trademark Depository Library, the Chicago Public Library receives and houses copies of U.S. patents and all government patent and trademark materials to make them freely available to the public. The Library also collects books about patents and guides to the patent process. These materials are available in the Business, Science and Technology Division at the Harold Washington Library Center.
Helpful Websites
- How to Conduct a Preliminary U.S. Patent Search »
This 36-minute video covers the steps for conducting a preliminary U.S. patent search using the USPTO's web-based databases.
- The Seven-Step U.S. Patent Search Strategy »
A quick seven-step strategy for conducting a U.S. patent search.
- PatentScope
Search pending patent applications from around the world using this resource from the World Intellectual Property Organization.
- Conducting a Trademark Search »
An overview of the six basic steps involved in conducting a trademark search.
- Illinois Trademarks and Servicemarks Search »
State trademarks provide infringement protection in a single state only, but cost much less to register than federal trademarks. Illinois trademarks are regulated by the Illinois Secretary of State, whose website includes application forms.
- United States Copyright Office »
Find copyright basics, application forms, fees, and a searchable database of copyrights registered since 1978.
- Copyright Clearance Center »
The Copyright Clearance Center represents tens of thousands of authors, publishers, and creators from nearly every country in the world and coordinates licensing the rights to millions of books, journals, newspapers, websites, ebooks, images, blogs and more.