The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library recently announced they are now providing patent search assistance at the downtown Central Library, 40 E. St. Clair Street.

According to the IMCPL Central Library receives support from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, meaning that library patrons have access to the same patent database, PubWest, used by the federal government to examine, award or deny patents. This database can be found on dedicated computers on the 4th floor of Central Library, where certain librarians have been trained by the Patent Office in Washington, D.C. in using this patent database and can explain what constitutes a viable patent search.

In a press release issued by the IMCPL, Central Library Reference Librarian Phyllis Karrh is quoted as saying, “A lawyer’s office can do a search for you for a fee, but a good search on your own can help cut your legal costs.” She added, “We’ll aid you in understanding how to set up a search to determine if there’s anything out there that would result in a denial of your application.”

Those seeking assistance are encouraged to call Central Library at 275-4100, and ask for 4th floor librarians, to schedule an appointment in order to discuss search strategy that can begin the quest to determine if their ideas are unique. The IMCPL notes that although the librarians cannot make a final judgment on whether an idea is patentable, nor can they offer legal advice, they can assist novices in their searches.

Central Library is designated an official Patent and Trademark Depository Library by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C. For more information on patents and trademarks, frequently asked questions and Central Library patent assistance, visit the IMCPL’s website at www.imcpl.org.•