Basic search To start a quick lookup, enter a single patent or publication number and select the Search button. To start a basic search, select a search field, enter your search term, and select the Search button.

The Patent Public Search tool is a new web-based patent search application that will replace internal legacy search tools PubEast and PubWest and external legacy search tools PatFT and AppFT. Patent Public Search has two user selectable modern interfaces that provide enhanced access to prior art.

Becoming a registered e-filer is a two step process. The first step is to request a customer number by filling out the Customer Number Request Form located at http://www.uspto.gov/web/forms/sb0125.pdf. Either fax the Customer Number Request Form to the EBC at 571-273-0177 or return it by mail.

A patent number, or sometimes referred to as a publication number, is a number identifier that is assigned to a patent application when it is published by the issuing patent office. The number can be seen on the patent document under INID code 11.