Databases

Engineering Village Patents give researchers the tools they need to take advantage of the scientific and technical information found within the United States and the European Union patent records. Whether preparing a patent application, tracking a technology, identifying a potential collaborator or competitor, or simply learning more about work that is being done in a particular field, patent documents are an essential source for thorough, successful research. The Engineering Village Patent databases contain 15.2 million patents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and 5.2 million patents filed with the European Union Patent Office (EPO).

The USPTO maintains a permanent, interdisciplinary historical record of all U.S. patent applications in order to fulfill objectives outlined in the United States Constitution.^[3] The PTO's mission is to promote "industrial and technological progress in the United States and strengthen the national economy" by:

• Administering the laws relating to patents and trademarks;
• Advising the Secretary of Commerce, the President of the United States, and the administration on patent, trademark, and copyright protection; and
• Providing advice on the trade-related aspects of intellectual property.