For innovative organizations and companies it is essential to use existing knowledge to avoid spending time and resources on already existing innovations. By using patent information, companies are able to get a picture of what is already done in their area of interest. The main purpose of the study is to examine the information use in small and medium-sized enterprises that are members of the Swedish Inventor’s Association, focusing on patent information. The study examines the use of patent information and which barriers the companies have to patent information. The main questions are: How do small and medium-sized enterprises in the Swedish Inventor’s Association use patent information? Which barriers do small and medium-sized enterprises in the Swedish Inventor’s Association have to patent information? An electronic survey was carried out to 302 members of the Swedish Inventor’s Association. They are a professional organization for inventors and play an important role in promoting innovation in Sweden. To analyze the result, theoretical models developed by Matthew Hall, Charles Oppenheim and Margaret Sheen are used. Parallels are also drawn to Michael Buckland’s theories of barriers and becoming informed. The result reveals that most companies are aware of patent information and have experienced needs of working with patent issues. Reasons for using patent information are to protect innovations, control competitors and avoid patent violation. Many of the small and medium sized enterprises are offloaders and have used the services of patent agencies. Many companies used Internet and free databases. All companies have barriers to patent information. The most common was the access barrier which means difficulties finding or using patent information. Other reasons for not using patent information were high costs and lack of time. / Uppsatsnivå: D

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