The collection consists of documents in electronic, print, and micro formats. Its strengths are:

• Foreign patents – An extensive collection of foreign patents from 73 countries and patent issuing authorities.
• Non–patent literature – Service desk staff can provide information on whether an item is in the collection.
• Specialized collection of resources in the biological and chemical fields.

Microfilm print fees and service photocopies are $0.25 per page using a USPTO debit card.
Debit cards may be purchased at the cashier window near the Public Search Facility located in Madison East Building, Lobby level.

Internet sites of the following patent granting authorities are accessible from Foreign Patent Information Access (FPIAS) workstations in the STIC Main Branch:

• European Patent Office
• Japanese Patent Office
• German Patent Office
• Australian Patent Office
• Canadian Patent Office

Universal Public Workstations (UPWS) are also available to:

• access Web-Based Examiner Search Tool (WEST)
• access Examiner Automated Search Tool (EAST)
• search full document text for U.S. patents issued since 1971
• search OCR text for U.S. patents issued from 1920 to 1970
• view or print U.S. patent images from 1970 to the present
• search some foreign patent documents that are available in EAST and WEST
• search STIC On Line Catalog
  • electronic resources found in STIC On Line Catalog are not available to the public.

U. S. Patents via UPWS:

• On–line print fees of $0.25 per page are collected at the workstation via on–line UPWS accounts.
• There are no fees for use of automated systems.

Foreign Patents via FPIAS Workstations:

• On-line print fees of $0.25 per page are collected at the workstation via on-line USPTO Debit card.
• There are no fees for use of automated systems.

Foreign Patents:

• The full text of foreign patents can be requested by phone or FAX.
• Staff will mail each requested copy within 24 hours at a cost of $25.00.
• Must pay fees using USPTO deposit account, money order, or major credit card.

Photocopies:

Photocopies are $0.25 per page using a USPTO debit card.
Debit cards may be purchased at the cashier window near the Public Search Facility located in Madison East Building, Lobby level.