The United States Patent and Trademark Office allows people to conduct searches of patents for people who want to learn more about an invention.People search for patents to make sure that their invention isn't already patented.At a Patent and Trademark Research Center, searches can be conducted online.The World Intellectual Property Organization has a search engine that can be used to find patents from around the world.
Step 1: Visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office.
There is a website where you can check to see if something is patented.The "Patents" tab can be found on the left side of the page.Under the Patent & Tools Links, click on the Search for Patents button.
Step 2: Start with a search.
If you don't have a lot of information about the invention or patent you are looking for, you may want to use the quick search function.If you click on the title, you will be taken to the Quick Search page.You can choose a search operator from the operator field.You will search for the first and second words.If you want to search for 1 but not 2, use "Andnot".The search will be for either 1 or 2.The Term 2 box is where you can type a second term.Pick either AND, AND NOT or as the search operator.Press the search button to begin your search.
Step 3: You can try an advanced patent search.
The advanced search will return less results for you to sort through if you know more about the patent.Click here to get to an advanced search.Pick a year or year range from the advanced search page.Choose 1790 or 1976 to present, repeat the step above.Search text can be added to the query box.The examples can be found on the advanced search page.The field names and field codes need to be separated.Search examples include title, issue date and inventor's name.The field names and codes chart can be found at the bottom of the advanced search page.After you type your entries, hit the search button.
Step 4: There is a patent according to it's number.
If you know the patent number, you can search for it.You can enter more than one patent number into the query box.Multiple patent numbers are separated by spaces.The patent number and information can be found through a search.If you have a question, you can email uspto info@uspto.gov.
Step 5: Go to a PTRC.
A PTRC can be used for complete patent searching.There are all of the patents that have been issued.The resource centers have many patent materials and resources, but they also have reference librarians who can guide you through the entire patent search process.Most states have a PTRC.This website can be used to find the nearest.
Step 6: There are terms for brainstorm.
To get a patent, you need to come up with terms that describe the invention based on its purpose, composition, and use.For example, if you are thinking of making a watering bowl that is self-heating, so that the water will not freeze when put outside, you might come up with search terms like animal, water bowl, and anti-freezing.
Step 7: Look for your words.
The U.S. Patent Classification can be used to find possible classes and subclasses.If you click on the letter A and scroll down, you will find the word animal, with a class of 118 and a subclass of 72.
Step 8: You can see similar subclasses by clicking through.
You can find it in either PDF or html.You can choose the language.You can click on a subcategory in the results.If you click on 72, you will be taken to a list of similar subclasses.You will see similar subcategories, such as 73, "Temperature-controlling."
Step 9: The definitions can be read.
Ready any classification definitions for all of the subclasses that are relevant to your invention.Once again, you can do this by clicking on the number.Eliminate any subclasses that are no longer relevant.There are patents that have been issued under that subclass.To see applications filed under a subclass, click the blue "A" beside it.
Step 10: You can try other databases.
The Issued Patents and Published Applications database can be used to search for prior patents.There are more databases on the Search for Patents webpage.The class/subclass format is used to enter classifications.To find animal water-feeding devices, enter 119/72.This will show a list of patents.
Step 11: Take a look at each prior patent or patent application.
If it is relevant to your search, be sure to review each one individually.The title of the patent may not be accurate.You should look at the patent.The title, description, and image of the patent can be reviewed on the first page in order to determine if you should continue to read it.Check each relevant patent or patent application's references for more patents that are similar and referenced by the current patent.
Step 12: Put together a list of researchers.
A researcher will use the online materials provided by the US Patent and Trademark Office to find similar inventions that have already been patented.You can find a professional patent researcher by typing their name into a web browser.If you want to find a patent by number, you should attempt to retrieve it from the website.It's too simple to pay a patent researcher for that type of search.
Step 13: It's a good idea to be wary of guaranteed results.
If you hire a patent researcher to find any patents that are similar to your invention, you should be wary of anyone who claims that he will find all of them.There are so many patents that it's hard to find similar ones.Patent searches are done with an 80% level of confidence.Many more patents would have to be reviewed in order to get a higher level of confidence.It would cost millions of dollars to reach 100% certainty.It is difficult to find a patent that is similar because pending applications are not published until 18 months after filing.
Step 14: Ask about the fees.
A professional patent search can cost hundreds of dollars.There are researchers who offer searches for less than $400.People with limited English skills do these searches.
Step 15: The World Intellectual Property Organization has a website.
Patentscope is a search engine on the website of the World Intellectual Property Organization.There are videos that will help you find patents.
Step 16: A simple search is performed.
The default interface is this.The front page, any field, English text, ID number, International classification, names, and dates are some of the search fields that can be used.You can type in the term you want to search for.You can limit searches to specific countries by going to the "Options" menu and clicking on "show options." A list of nations will pop up.Pick the ones you want to look for.
Step 17: Search fields can be combined.
You can use this to create a more targeted search.You can use the "And" or "Or" operators if you want to.If you do a simple search, over 70,000 results will show up.If you want to further refine your search, you can add a company name to the "Applicant Name" field.Your terms will be highlighted in the search results.You can open individual records from the search results.
Step 18: An advanced search is performed.
An unlimited number of terms can be used to perform complex search queries.You can begin by going to search and selecting Advanced Search.Boolean operators, proximity operators and range operators are some of the operators supported by advanced search.You can find more information on how to use these operators by clicking on "Help," "How to Search" and "Query Syntax."