Manchester City Council

Patents, trademarks, registered designs, and copyright

Manchester Patent Library is part of PATLIB, a network of public libraries and information centres that provides regional access to patent information services and expertise, also promoting intellectual property to businesses and their local community.

The network is supported by the UK Intellectual Property Office and the European Patent Office. The British Library maintain a comprehensive gateway website to information sources on intellectual property.

Services to support your bright ideas

You can patent an invention only if it's new world-wide. 80% of inventions in patent databases have not appeared anywhere else, so it is vital that a patent search is done.

• Search facilities - is your idea new? We can help. Contact patlib@manchester.gov.uk or ring 0161 234 1397
• Try out our Inventors' Info Points at Manchester branch libraries.
• Expert confidential advice. Book an appointment at our Patent Clinic
• Peer support, informative speakers and shared experiences at Manchester Inventors' Group
• Book an appointment at a FREE search workshop for tips and guidance on searching Espacenet.
• To make money from your idea you need to research the market. Book an appointment at a FREE workshop guiding you to the resources available here