Espacenet (http://ep.espacenet.com/)
European Patent Office database. Worldwide patent data coverage - over 60 million patents from around 90 countries. Comprehensive, easy to use, with explanations, help and tips on each page.

Derwent Innovations Index (http://www.isiknowledge.com/)
Worldwide patents database. Please note that this online database can only be accessed when using the Inventors’ Info Point website at a participating Manchester library.

US Patent Office (http://www.uspto.gov/patft/)
US patents full text and full page image databases.

DEPATISnet (http://depatisnet.dpma.de/)
German Patent Office database. German patents plus many other foreign patents.

Intellectual Property Office (http://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-find-number)
Is a UK patent in force or lapsed? Can only check under application number or published patent number for a particular patent.

International Patent Classification (http://wipo.int/classifications/fulltext/new_ipc/)
IPC7 English version. International classification scheme for patents used by most databases.

British Library Patents Information (http://www.bl.uk/reshelp/findhelpsubject/socsci/intprop/ippatents/ippatdata/databases.html)
Lists key patent search databases and is aimed at UK based patent searchers.

Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (http://www.cipa.org.uk/)
The professional body for UK patent attorneys.

Institute of Patentees and Inventors (http://www.invent.org.uk/)
A not-for-profit association for inventors.

Free online courses to learn about Intellectual property (http://www.bl-elearning.com/)
Courses to take you step by step through the production and development of your idea, provided by the British Library Business and IP Centre and Nelson Croom.