Purpose - This paper’s aim is to analyze the technological information in patent databanks as a strategy in prospecting for new technologies. Research design, data, and methodology - We detail the major free electronic database sources for patent information, the patent documents, the patent document structures, INID codes (Internationally Agreed Numbers for the Identification of Data), indexation, references, and classification notions. Additionally, we review and analyze information on the activities of the Center of Dissemination Documentation and Technological Information (CEDIN) from the National Institute of Intellectual Property (INPI) of Brazil for the period 2000 to 2011. Results - The research shows that the technological information contained in the patents could provide a wide range of functionality within companies and universities. Conclusions - In recent years, (CEDIN), a specialist in intellectual property, has been serving internal and external users by providing guidance on the basis of patents and other literature, but the number of users served is still small. In order to familiarize more potential users of such technological information, task forces should be created among INPI, universities, and companies.