Patent Attorney and Founder
Where Are Patents Published?
Hey everyone! Today, let’s answer a common question: Where are patents published? I’m JD Houvener, a patent attorney and founder of Bold Patents Law Firm. Over the past decade, I’ve helped thousands of inventors and issued more than 300 patents. I’m excited to share what I know with you!
First, it’s important to understand what we mean by a “patent.” This can refer to:
- A pending patent application (not yet issued).
- A granted patent (officially issued).
Let’s break it down.
Published Patent Applications
When you file a non-provisional patent application (either utility or design), it gets published 18 months after the earliest filing date. This happens automatically unless you take specific steps to keep it confidential.
Here are some key points:
- If you’ve filed a provisional application, the 18-month timeline starts from the date you file the non-provisional application that follows it.
- You can request non-publication if you only want U.S. protection. However, this means you give up the ability to file internationally.
So, where do these applications show up? On the USPTO’s website (“patentcenter.uspto.gov”). You can use their Patent Center to:
- Search published applications.
- Check the application’s status.
- Review the “prosecution history,” which shows what’s happened during the application process (e.g., examiner comments or rejections).
Granted Patents
When a patent is granted, it’s published in the Official Gazette, a weekly online publication by the USPTO. Every Tuesday, they release a list of newly issued patents.
Here’s what’s included in the Gazette:
- The first drawing.
- The first claim.
- Basic details about the patent.
For example, the September 24, 2024 edition (Volume 1,526, Number 4) includes patents like a “Rotational Engine with Inner and Outer Rings” (Patent #12,986,641), which was filed on March 3, 2023, and granted on September 24, 2024. You can browse patents by categories like “Human Necessities” or “Mechanical Engineering.”
The Gazette is a treasure trove for inventors and businesses. Some companies even comb through it to offer services like licensing, commercialization, or patent brokering to inventors.
Wrapping Up
Now you know where patents are published — both while pending and after being granted. If you have questions or want more resources, check out our channel for additional videos. You can also download our Inventor Kit, which includes tools for patent searching, drafting, and understanding the patent process.
Thanks for tuning in, and remember: Go big. Go bold!