Welcome to Patents and Trademarks
Patents and trademarks are two ways people can protect their intellectual property. A patent will prohibit others from making or selling your invention without your permission. The first U.S. patent was granted in 1790 and since then more than 7 million patents have been issued! Trademarks identify the source of a good or service and distinguish them from similar items.
Before applying for a patent or trademark it's important to do your own search. Minneapolis Public Library is the only Patent and Trademark Depository Library (PTDL) in Minnesota and has been a member of the PTDL program since 1981. The Central Library downtown has a complete collection of patents and trademarks on DVD and dedicated computers for viewing them as well as supporting materials to help you with your search. In addition to our books and databases we also offer a monthly talk on how to do a patent search.
While we are happy to answer your questions, we cannot offer legal advice.
Minneapolis Public Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis MN 55401. (612) 630-6000
A MELSA Library.
Updated 12 May 2006
