Search our unmatched database of current and historical litigation activity by name, case type or docket or patent number to uncover history and trends in cases of interest to you. CourtLink offers the following Search features:

• Search:
  Search by varying criteria including litigant name, attorney or law firm, nature of suit, key word, etc. to locate dockets and documents of interest. Combine federal courts and available state courts for a more comprehensive search. Download a literature sheet now(PDF, 834K) .
• Docket Number Search:
  Search by a particular Docket Number in federal or state court.
• Patent Search:
  Search on a Patent number to get a list of cases involving that patent number. Download a literature sheet now (PDF, 329K).
• CourtLink Document Finder:
  Search for the documents listed within the dockets that meet certain criteria for federal courts. Document Finder allows users to pinpoint the relevant work product of opposing counsel and key ruling info on the presiding judge. Download a literature sheet now (PDF, 390K).

How to use the Search Feature:

1. Click the Search tab from the CourtLink top navigation menu.
2. Select one of four Search Tools:
• Search: Search by judge or attorney name, keyword, jurisdiction, litigant name, etc.
• Docket Number: Search by docket number.
• Patent Search: Search by patent number or search by court for patent-related cases.
• Document Finder: Locate federal district court documents of interest.

Search:

1. Click the Search tab. Then, click the red Search button.
2. Select the court(s) for your search by checking the boxes to the left of the state or court name and then click Next.
3. Enter your search criteria in the fields provided and then click Next. (Note: You may want to click the Other Search Criteria link to access additional search options.) Click Next.
4. Review your search criteria and add your client matter number or project notes (optional). To complete your Search, click on the red Run Search button.

Docket Number:

1. Click the Search tab. Then, click the red Docket Number button.
2. From the drop-down menus, select the Court System you want to search.
• Under Court System, choose federal courts or a single state court system.
• Under Court Type, select a specific court.
• Under Online Court or Runner Court, select a specific jurisdiction.
3. Enter the docket number. (Click the Formatting Rules link for details on docket number formats.) Enter a client matter code (optional). Click Next.
4. If you have selected a Runner Court, you will need to select a delivery method.
5. Review your Search Summary. To complete your search, click Submit Search.

Patent Search:

1. Click the Search tab. Then, click the red Patent Search button.
2. Enter a patent number or U.S. Class/Subclass to find cases related to that patent OR select a U.S. District Court to display the patent cases from that court. Enter a client matter code (optional). Click Next.
3. Review your Search Summary. To submit your request, click Submit Search.

Document Finder Search:

1. Click Search from the CourtLink top navigation menu.
2. Click the red Document Finder button.
3. Select up to 5 courts, up to 5 natures of suit, and document type.
• You may also enter additional criteria such as party name and/or date range to further narrow your search.
4. Click Next. Verify your criteria and click Submit Search.

How to view Search results:

New Search results will be listed on the My CourtLink page, under the heading “Recent Searches.” Click on a search name to view the results for that search. You may also view Search results from search history within Search.

• To view a docket, click the docket number.
• To customize your search results list, click Customize List. Hide/display columns. Sort by court, litigant, active/closed. Click Save to save your customized list settings.
• To save your search criteria for future use, click Save Search.