NL Patent Office

Patents: inspiration and information

Patent literature contains practically all developments of the past eighty years from the entire industrialised world, which we refer to as the 'state of the art'.

In order to be able to obtain patent rights for a technical invention, this invention must be described in a patent document. The applicant must also agree to the publication of the complete patent document. Patent rights are applied for at a very early stage in a development process.

Are patents secret?
Patents are not secret. The invention for which the patent is granted must be published so that everyone is able to find out about it. This obligation ensures that patent information provides an informative and complete image of the state of the art. This may be of advantage to any entrepreneur who has innovation plans in his/her possession. He/she may increase the results of R&D investments that have been made by studying the published research and development work of others.

Source of information
Millions of patent publications are available throughout the world, which makes patent literature a unique source of (technical) information. This also includes market data and trends.

Where can you find patent literature?
Patent publications used to be found in libraries, but nowadays these publications can also be accessed via patent databases. In order to view publications on the internet, you must be familiar with the way in which search systems work.
You can search in the databases yourself, but our advisors are also able to help you with this, as a Dutch entrepreneur/inventor. Depending upon your requirements and the experience that you already have with patents, NL Patent Office is able to carry out an exploratory search in the patent databases on your behalf or provide you with search assistance.

Source of inspiration
Patent information also reduces the technical and commercial uncertainty that can be associated with technical development projects. Effective research can also prevent infringement on the rights of third parties, as well as any legal proceedings. In order to manage market parties, patent information is therefore a particularly valuable source of inspiration. The fact is, management usually takes the initiative for research and further development. To summarise, if this source of information is consulted, it often results in savings in terms of both time and money.

Further information
If you have any questions relating to searches in patent databases, please contact our public information office by e-mailaddress This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone number +31 88 602 60 00.

Obligation of confidentiality
All employees of NL Patent Office have a duty to observe confidentiality. That means that you may speak freely with them about your idea or invention.