Got a great idea?
The Library can help you understand how to best protect it through copyright, trademark, or patent opportunities.
During our monthly virtual ‘Ask A Patent/Copyright/Trademark Attorney’ programs, attorneys provide an overview of intellectual property, explain the differences between patents, trademarks and copyright, and are available to answer your questions.
These programs are offered once per month on Thursday evenings with advance registration required to access the virtual meeting link.
The Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) at Toledo Library is part of a nationwide network of public, state, and academic libraries designated by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to support the public with trademark and patent assistance.
One-to-One Assistance
To begin your patent and trademark search, the Library offers one-to-one assistance with a Business Specialist Librarian. Don’t hesitate to ask for helpful research tips or let us conduct a sample search with you! Researchers may make an appointment by calling 419.259.5244 or emailing business@toledolibrary.org.
Additionally, the USPTO website offers a public patent search you can do from home or office.
Note: Library staff are prohibited from conducting your actual search, offering legal advice or opinions.
RESEARCH TIPS
Determine what type of intellectual property you need, and always start at a government site, which you can identify by URLs ending in .gov. Examples include…
Patent: USPTO.gov
Trademark: USPTO.gov
Copyright: Copyright.gov
ADDITIONAL HELPFUL LINKS
