Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

Welcome to the research guide for patents, trademarks & copyright.

Wichita State University Libraries is a U.S. Patent and Trademark Research Centers (PTRCs) and the only PTRC in Kansas. Since receiving this designation in 1991, we receive a variety of useful searching tools in both print and electronic formats, as well as extensive training in providing patent and trademark research assistance. Ablah Library is open to the public, and we assist with preliminary patent and trademark research by appointment at no charge. 

PTRC library staff are trained regularly to use search tools to access patent and trademark information and offer assistance with various patent, trademark, and copyright consultation questions. Please note that we cannot perform patent or trademark searches for individuals and cannot give legal advice. For legal advice, please contact a registered intellectual property attorney or agent. More specialized questions should be directed to the USPTO or U.S. Copyright Office. Please contact Jessica Pierpoint for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Looking for resources to get started, check out the following: 

• WSU PTRC (Patent and Trademark Resource Center)
  • Feel free to check out our PTRC table filled with physical resources.
    • located on first floor, near Reference materials.
• USPTO (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office)
  • Journey of Innovation: Once a month relatable stories that chronical journey of inventors and entrepreneurs.
  • Access Free Services: Tons of links to Patent, Trademark, Attorney and Business Advisors free services.
  • Inventor and Entrepreneur Resources: Tons of links from getting started to applying and everything in-between. 
• USPTO Kids (U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for K-12)
  • For more information, please go to the Inventors for All Ages Guide.