Historical business & IP collections

We hold a copy of every English and British patent specification published between 1617 and 2010, as well as official journals, law reports, indexes, abridgements and many other associated publications.

We also have similar items from over 150 countries and international authorities, making our collection one of the largest in the world.

A collection of archival materials, known as the Woodcroft Collection, will be of interest to researchers investigating the development of the UK patent system, the history of invention and patent publication in Great Britain and the history of the Patent Office Library.

Searches can be made by applicant name or subject. The BIPC Reference Team can check country‑specific collection lists on your behalf and advise you on which titles are most relevant to your research needs.

We hold a large collection of British, overseas, and international trade mark publications from the late 19th century onwards. These record details of trade marks for which protection has been sought and the individuals and companies that submitted the applications.

For many countries, indexes allow for searches by applicant name and the type of product to which the trade mark applies.

Our trade literature collection dates back to the late 19th century, when companies began depositing catalogues and product literature with the Patent Office Library. Since then, it has grown into an internationally significant collection providing valuable insights into the industrial, commercial, and domestic landscape of Britain.

Pre-1940 collection

The pre-1940 collection comprises over 17,000 items, featuring product catalogues, brochures, and price lists from the late 19th and early 20th century.

The collection is mostly British, but also includes material from the United States, France, and Germany.

Industries represented include:

• Electric lighting and appliances
• Photography and cameras
• Dairy products
• Textile and agricultural machinery
• Soap and perfumes
• Paint, tiling, and furniture
• Motor vehicles.

A name index for pre‑1940 material is available in the Business & IP Centre Reading Room.

Post‑1940 collection

The post‑1940 collection includes material acquired primarily since the mid‑1980s. It contains product catalogues, manuals, technical evaluations and annual reports.

There are extensive holdings for some major British companies, alongside material from a wide range of countries, including France, the United States, Japan, Germany, Australia, Canada, Brazil, South Africa and others.

Records for post‑1940 items are listed in the British Library catalogue.

Industries covered include:

• Heavy machinery and construction
• Electronics and computing
• Agrochemicals and packaging
• Photography and graphics
• Banking and financial services
• Security equipment and street furniture
• Sports equipment.