Guides: Patent Law Research Guide: Getting Started & Key Databases

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Introduction

This guide provides an introduction to key resources for conducting patent law research at Georgetown. It focuses primarily on United States law and sources but includes a few resources that contain foreign and international materials. For information on researching other types of intellectual property law, such as copyright and trademark, see our Intellectual Property Law Treatise Finder and our other research guides on those subjects.

Getting Started

Chisum on Patents
Authoritative multi-volume treatise on patent law. A detailed work that comprehensively covers information needed to understand, secure and protect a patent claim. Chisum on Patents is a recognized authority on US patent law, cited by courts in all jurisdictions as well as the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Chisum on Patents is also available online via Lexis.
Moy's Walker on Patents
Five-volume treatise on patent law that covers the patent system and process, patentability, and infringement. Moy's Walker on Patents is also available online via Westlaw.
Patent Law in a Nutshell
Provides a succinct description of the fundamentals of U.S. patent law. Ranging from the acquisition of patent rights to their enforcement, it contains an overview of relevant statutes, rules, and cases that collectively define this area of intellectual property law. Topics include claim construction, obviousness, anticipation, written description and enablement, infringement, remedies, and other notable doctrines. Patent Law in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.
Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks and Copyright in a Nutshell
A four-part study aid, focusing on the foundations and practice of patent, trademark and copyright law. Part 1V gives limited treatment to global intellectual property. Table of cases included. Intellectual Property: Patents, Trademarks and Copyright in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.
Intellectual Property and Unfair Competition in a Nutshell
This study guide provides an understanding of the creation of specific intellectual property rights as well as the determination of a commercial wrong. It discusses the historical inter-relationship between intellectual property law and the law of unfair competition. Intellectual Property and Unfair Competition in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.

Key Databases

Kluwer IP
Kluwer IP Law offers authoritative analysis, case law, news and legislation combined with other research tools across a vast range of jurisdictions.
Darts IP
Offers IP decisions from around the world. Several languages are available but not all materials are necessarily in English. General searching, points of law, comparison are available. Statistical analysis of harmonization or lack of same is possible. After clicking the link, you will reach an "Access Denied" page; Georgetown users should then click the "Login to Secure Databases" link.
HeinOnline IP Law Collection
The Intellectual Property Law Collection focuses on copyrights, patents and trademarks in the United States. It includes legislative histories, treatises, documents, journals and more.
Westlaw: Intellectual Property Resources
Lexis: Patent Law Resources
Lexis: Trade Secrets Resources
Bloomberg Law: Patents & Trade Secrets Practice Center