Conducting a patent search is a great idea before applying for a patent. A patent search can help you: determine if your invention is novel and nonobvious (i.e., patentability) which are requirements for obtaining a patent, write a better patent application, and avoid infringing on existing patents. What is a patent search? A patent search is a search of the … [Read more...]
Patent Search
A patent search is a search of various patent databases to determine whether the invention for which a patent is sought is already in the public domain.
Browse related articles below.
Patent search websites
The two online patent search resources that I utilize the most to retrieve patent documents and to research patents are freepatentsonline.com and the uspto.gov website. The uspto.gov website provides two different databases. One for issued patents and one for published patent applications. Some published patents applications mature into a patent but some do not. Hence, … [Read more...]
Check idea with a patent attorney before discarding it
In determining the patentability of a claim which defines the scope of your invention, two major hurdles must be overcome, specifically, the invention must be (1) novel (i.e., new) and (2) non-obviousness. Novelty is fairly easy to establish. Novelty exists if all of the elements of the claimed invention are not disclosed in a single reference. If so, then the claimed … [Read more...]
DIY Patent Search: 3 steps for effectively searching the prior art
DIY Patent Search 3 Steps for effectively searching the prior art Watch the seminar Web-based patent seminar on how to conduct your own patent search in three steps. The three steps include: Brainstorming keywords; Finding the right class/subclass; and Conducting your search. By attending this seminar, you will: Understand the overall process of a … [Read more...]
Search issued patents and published patent applications databases
After brainstorming keywords related to your invention and finding a list of relevant classes and subclasses, search the United States Patent and Trademark Office databases or a third party patent document database (e.g., freepatentsonline.com) for relevant patent documents. Limitations on search Upon the filing of a patent application, the patent application remains secret … [Read more...]
Finding the right class and subclass for the DIY patent search
The United States Patent and Trademark Office classifies all inventions into one or more of about 450 different classes. Each class is further divided into numerous subclasses. There may be up to 1000 subclasses per class. The classes describe a generic category. The subclasses describe specific features of each of the categories. The benefit of searching within a class … [Read more...]
Brain Storming Keywords for the DIY Patent Search
In this stage of the patent search, brainstorm as many keywords related to your invention. The brainstorming session should be inclusive. There will be additional time later during the search process to eliminate keywords that are not particularly useful. Heteronyms Heteronyms are words that have the same spelling but different meanings. The patent search is a keyword … [Read more...]
Basics of a Patent Search
A patent search involves reviewing prior art (i.e., existing technology) to evaluate the likelihood that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will grant a patent for your invention. Benefits of a Patent Search Conducting a patent search offers several advantages. Inventors and businesses can use the results to decide whether to continue investing time and … [Read more...]