Patent database searches are a very useful tool for researchers in several respects:

On the one hand, they provide very valuable information prior to starting research, with the aim of gaining an understanding of the state of the art in the field of the work to be undertaken; on the other hand, they make it possible to assess the patentability of one’s own inventions, providing information on the extent to which our invention meets the requirements of novelty and inventive step, both of which are essential requirements for the invention to be protected by patent.

Finally, they provide very useful information for identifying companies interested in the field of application of the invention, as well as the personnel involved in research related to our invention and the countries in which investment is being made in this field.

The main free-access patent databases are as follows:

SPANISH PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE: Resources providing access to other databases and information on the status of applications.

ESPACENET: The most important resource currently available for conducting patent searches. The full document can be accessed.

WIPO: Allows searches for patents filed at international level.

USPTO: United States Patent and Trademark Office. US applications are displayed.

Finally, a Patent Search Guide (Spanish) is provided, explaining how to conduct searches in different databases, using keyword and ownership criteria and according to the international classification under which the patent falls.