The present work aims to demonstrate the use of information contained in patent systems for teaching and academic research in mechanical engineering and related fields. The approach proposed herein is focused on academic research and the engineering disciplines to provide a more complete training of students and researchers. In the proposed approach, the Patent System is used in three different ways: As a source of technical information; as a source of inspiration for designing solutions; and for patent protection of academic research and their eventual commercialization. The patent system also enables teachers to keep up with technological trends and check their possible impacts on the training of engineers. The methodology was applied in practice, with results exceeding expectations.