To get a new invention to market, you need to make sure that the patent to your invention isn't already taken.You can find out if someone has claimed the rights to an invention by searching for patents.The Internet can be used for a lot of things.You can search for specific countries or large groups of countries at the same time.You may want to get the help of a patent attorney or other professional in this process.
Step 1: The United States Patent and Trademark Office has a website.
The United States government's patent office has patents dating back to 1790.You can find the search engine for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on the website.
Step 2: Other countries have official patent offices.
If you're looking for a patent in a country other than the United States, you can find it online.The New Zealand Intellectual Property Office website is accessible.The Canadian Intellectual Property Office can be found at IC.GC.ca.
Step 3: You can use a variety of Internet patent sites.
In addition to the official patent offices of the United States and other countries, there is a wide range of other sites on the Internet that you can use to search for patents.Different search tools is a good idea because each of these have access to different information.Some of these are free, but some require payment of a fee to conduct your search.To get an understanding of the search tools that work best for you, you will want to use different sites.
Step 4: To understand the scope of your search, read each search site carefully.
There is a limit to the information that can be found on a country's website.To understand what your search will include, you need to read the site carefully.You can only find the full text of patents from 1976 through the present, but you can find some information that goes back to 1790.Information for the past 150 years will be included in a search for Canadian patents.
Step 5: The Global Patent Search Network can be used.
The Global Patent Search Network is included in the search engine of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.You will be able to search the full text of multiple international patent databases.The information from 1985 through 2012 is currently included in theGPSN.It's expected that regular updates are expected.You can access the Global Patent Search Network by following the links on the website.
Step 6: You can search for the European Patent Office.
There is a database at www.EPO.org.Select the tab "Searching for Patents" from the home page and you will be directed to the search tool.You will have access to millions of patent documents, including resources throughout Europe and Asia.
Step 7: The European Patent Register can be used.
The European Patent Office is an extension of the European patent register.European patent applications can be found in this free online service.There are links to all the national offices for the countries that subscribe to the EPO.Information about the current stage of a patent application, whether or not a European patent has been granted yet, and whether any oppositions have been filed are included in the European Patent Register.There are copies of correspondence between the patent applicants and their attorneys.To access the European Patent Register, you need to go to the EPO website, and then select the links to "Searching for Patents" and "EuropeanPatent Register" under the heading of "Quick Access."
Step 8: The World Intellectual Property Organization can be searched.
The World Intellectual Property Organization has a website that can be used to find over 57 million worldwide patent documents.English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Arabic are some of the different languages that are translatable into the WIPO page.You can conduct a search on the WIPO site by visiting its home page at www.wipo.int, and then following the links to "Reference" and "Patentscope." Within the Patentscope search tool, you can search for individual terms to find patent information.
Step 9: Think of words and phrases that relate to the invention.
You can use these to narrow your patent search.Consider what your invention does, what problem it addresses, how it works, and what materials you use to make it.If you have designed a humane and ecological mousetrap, you might try searching for "mousetrap," "recyclable," and "humane" or "no-kill."Carefully read the instructions for each website to understand how to find what you're looking for.
Step 10: You should compare the results of your initial search to your invention idea.
If you can, look at any designs or artwork that is available from your search engine.You can get ideas for refining your search terms based on the illustrations you can find.
Step 11: You can expand your search to larger databases.
Spread your search out and use at least one of the international sites if you started with a single nation.You need to think about the potential market for any product you have in mind when conducting your search.To spread worldwide, you need to conduct a broad search.
Step 12: To review application materials, narrow your search.
When you get some useful results, it's a good idea to look at the actual applications of the inventions that seem most relevant to you.Access to application materials is provided by most of the online search tools.You can see original drawings and designs for the product if you review the original application materials.Whether your invention is different enough to warrant a separate patent should be determined by this information.
Step 13: Hire a patent attorney.
If you have conducted your initial search and are ready to move on to the next stage, you should consider hiring a patent attorney.To make the final steps toward filing a patent application, a qualified attorney is important, even though the online search tools are good.A patent attorney can help you find other patents.An attorney can help you tailor your application so that you have a better chance of getting a patent.There is a way to find patent attorneys in the United States.
Step 14: Talk to a patent researcher.
A patent researcher is a kind of private investigator who can help with your patent search.Patent researchers are often the staff of law firms, but you can find individuals who provide the same service on their own.
Step 15: You can visit a patent library.
There are regional Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries in the United States.These libraries have reference librarians who can help you find patent information.There is a listing on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website.