Library
Explore millions of patent documents, technical literature, and our impressive collection of historical patents
A specialist library with a rich history
The library has been a scientifically managed specialist library within the Austrian Patent Office since 1899. Our collection includes historical and contemporary monographs as well as journals on intellectual property law and the history of technology and invention. One very special collection is our collection of historical patents, made up of historical patent documents from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Our historical trademark registers document trademark applications in Austria (from 1859 onwards), international trademarks (from 1893 onwards), and European Union trade marks (from 1997 onwards).
The virtual library: our catalog
In our library catalog, you can search our entire collection of monographs, journals, and journal articles: create a personal account and search the entire collection online.
Would you like to borrow something from our periodicals collection? Please use the reservation function. The items will be available to you in our library within 48 hours, and you will receive an email notification to let you know.
Our collection of historical patents
From egg cups to alternating-current motors: discover privileges – royal and imperial patents that guaranteed exclusive rights to inventions – and browse through the 99,000 invention descriptions from 1852 to 1899 in the online database.
Free DOIs for Innovations from Research
A patent number protects your invention legally – a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) makes it part of the international digital knowledge infrastructure.
As a service for researchers, the Austrian Patent Office assigns DOIs for published patent applications and patent specifications – free of charge. This keeps your innovation permanently visible, citable, and easier to find.
