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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

Where Are Patents Stored Today?

Hi, I’m JD Houvener, a patent attorney and the founder of Bold Patents Law Firm. Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of inventors and authored Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents. Together, we’ve secured over 300 patents, and I’m excited to answer a common question: Where are patents stored?

When I first thought about patents, I imagined an old, dusty library. Picture a Victorian-style building filled with shelves of books, each holding records of groundbreaking ideas. Surprisingly, that’s not too far from reality. There’s an actual location—the Patent Research Center in Alexandria, Virginia. It’s a bit like a museum, offering daily tours for visitors curious about the history of innovation.

Since 1790, patent documents have been preserved there. Back then, examiners and inventors had to visit in person to research prior inventions and knowledge. But, of course, the internet changed everything.

Today, patents are primarily stored online. You can search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database at uspto.gov or use their new Patent Center. These platforms let you explore past innovations, helping you determine whether your idea is truly unique. With a little digging, you can see if your invention stands out enough to move forward with patent protection.

So yes, there’s still a physical archive in Alexandria. But most of those old records, including microfilms, have been digitized and uploaded to the USPTO’s electronic repository.

What About Court Decisions?

Another key part of the patent process is court rulings. These decisions shape how patents are interpreted and enforced. Federal courts, state courts, and even the Supreme Court handle these cases. Knowing both the technical side of patents and the legal precedents is crucial—and that’s where a skilled patent attorney comes in.

At Bold Patents, we help you navigate every step of the process, combining technical expertise with legal insight.

Want to learn more? Download our free Inventor’s Kit using the link below. It’s packed with helpful tools like:

  • The ABC flowchart to guide your patent search.
  • Tips for preparing your application.
  • My personal “Patent Success Matrix,” a proven strategy for patenting your idea.

Take the first step toward protecting your invention. Let’s make it happen—together.

Go Big. Go Bold.

About the Author
J.D. Houvener is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who has a strong interest in helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. J.D. leverages his technical background in engineering and experience in the aerospace industry to provide businesses with a unique perspective on their patent needs. He works with clients who are serious about investing in their intellectual assets and provides counsel on how to capitalize their patents in the market. If you have any questions regarding this article or patents in general, consider contacting J.D. Houvener at https://boldip.com/contact/