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University of Texas University of Texas Libraries

Using Patent Databases and Finding Patents

An introduction to patent searching, with links to freely available patent databases and suggested search strategies.

How to Read a Patent

Deciphering a patent document

Our former UT-Austin Engineering Librarian Robyn Rosenberg, now with the Harvard Libraries, provides this guide:

How to Read a U.S. Patent    

  • In the compact, packed text of an individual patent, you will find:
    • Details on the invention
    • Also, (selective) prior art for the patent.

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