How to find patents in the Library

A patent is a time limited (up to twenty years) state granted monopoly for an invention which prevents others from making, using or selling it, without the permission of the owner. The patent is granted in exchange for the full details of the invention being published.

Patents provide a valuable source of technical and scientific information, most of which is not available elsewhere. They give full and detailed descriptions, drawings and diagrams of processes.

Identifying patents will help you avoid duplication of research and find out what work has already been done by others in the same  field. It can also provide useful information about a company.