Legal Definitions - Automated Patent System

An Automated Patent System (APS) is a computerized database of patents that is maintained by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. It is also known as an automated patent search system.

The APS allows users to search for patents using keywords, patent numbers, or other criteria. This makes it easier for inventors, researchers, and businesses to find information about existing patents and avoid infringing on them.

For example, if a company is developing a new product, they can use the APS to search for patents related to their product. This can help them avoid infringing on existing patents and potentially facing legal action.

Another example is a researcher who is studying a particular technology. They can use the APS to search for patents related to that technology, which can help them understand the history and development of the technology.