Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

The process of pursuing a patent or trademark registration can be challenging. PTRC library staff are information experts trained on how to use search tools to access patent and trademark information. They provide the human touch that no webpage or legal book can provide in helping inventors and small businesses find the information they need to protect their intellectual property. However, PTRC representatives are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice.

PTRC library representatives can:

• Provide access to resources such as Patent Public Search and Trademark Search
• Direct you to information that explains the application process and fee schedule
• Demonstrate how to use search tools to conduct a patent or trademark search
• Show you a directory of local patent attorneys who are licensed to practice before the USPTO
• Offer classes on intellectual property (varies by location)
• Offer assistance on how to do historical research on patents and trademarks
• Show you how to track current research by company or nonprofit
• Help you find assignee information and much more.

Patent and Trademark Resource Center representatives are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice. Assistance with patent and trademark searches will be limited to providing instruction in the general use of various search tools.

PTRC library representatives cannot: 

• interpret intellectual property law
• perform patent or trademark searches for users
• provide advice on how to file a patent or trademark application. 

Assistance from PTRC library representatives does not imply any conclusion concerning the patentability of any invention or design or the validity of any trademark. Users who desire further assistance will be directed to listings for registered patent attorneys and organizations with specialized IP knowledge, but directions to listings should not be taken as endorsements of any particular agents or attorneys.

The Ohio State University Libraries Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

Address:

The Ohio State University

1858 Neil Avenue Mall

Columbus, Ohio 43210 

Email:

Need assistance with your patent and trademark research? Contact us by email at lib-ptrc@osu.edu.

Research Consultations:

The Ohio State University Libraries PTRC representatives are available for individual research consultations.

Ash Faulkner, Business and Economics Librarian – Trademarks, utility patents, design patents, copyright, and trade secrets. Schedule an Appointment

Patricia Verdines, Engineering Librarian – Utility patents related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Consultations are also available in Spanish. Schedule an Appointment

Florian Diekmann, Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Librarian – plant patents and utility patents applied to plants. Schedule an Appointment