Welcome to the ME 497/498 library guide. Here you will find resources we talk about during the library session, as well as tools we hope will assist you throughout your ME 497/498 experience. Please don't hesitate to email or call any of the librarians with questions after the session.
Q. Where can we learn more about altering currently patented inventions and the procedure to patent the new inventions?
A. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) webpage provides information about "novelty" and alterations of already-patented inventions:
Q. How can I identify the types of intellectual property I have, that I may want to protect?
A. The USPTO has an online tool to assist you:
Also, librarians will provide a patent and prior arts searching class session. There are also resources in the UNLV Resources for Intellectual Property and Business StartUps box below. The UNLV Patent and Trademark Resources Center webpage also has helpful tips and contact information for our local experts.
The country and international Patent Search Databases listed in this guide provide a number of fact sheets, guides and tutorials to assist you in becoming a better patent searcher. Below are additional resources for more advanced patent inquiries. Please remember to consult with your research advisor/professor along the way!
Because a search for a truly novel invention will come up empty (there is nothing to find), you need to know when to stop searching. When is enough searching enough? There is no perfect answer, but using a logical and organized search process will help you make that decision. The worksheet below may assist you. Feel free to make a copy and modify it to suit your search style.
There are many tools available to help you search for Prior Arts documents.
This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window This link opens in a new window
The USPTO offers tutorial videos, guides and help for better patent searching.
As your work progresses, you and your research advisor may wish to discuss opportunities to take your class project to the next level. Below are some UNLV resources to be aware of.
RebelForge, the Technology Development and Transfer Office, and the Office of Economic Development can assist with the process of protecting your innovation and taking an invention to market.
The Small Business Development Center can provide information to all local entrepreneurs and help navigate the planning and setup of new small businesses.
The Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering's Mendenhall Innovation Center allows undergraduate students to earn a minor in entrepreneurship and design.
The UNLV Lee Business School's Center for Entrepeneurship provides many resources and opportunities for co-curricular opportunities (contests, awards, etc.) that may be of interest to ME 497/498 students.
