The Internet makes it easy for lawyers to research the existence, or lack of, patents and trademarks � no matter their country of origin. Following is a guide to some of the best Web sites for searching patents and trademarks worldwide.

For U.S. patents and trademarks, start at the source. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, www.uspto.gov , provides complete, online access to both its patent and trademark databases, each accessible through a range of sophisticated search options.