Edit Article

Two Methods:Self-searchHire Professional Experts

A patent refers to the right granted to an inventor for discovering any new machine, useful process or a manufacturing item. This right gives patent holder the right to prohibit others from using, making, patent sales or selling in US the claimed invention in patent exchange for full disclosure of invention. A patent is a simple way of protecting any discovery or invention. Before you apply for a patent, you must search and check if a patent already exists.

Ad

Method 1 of 2: Self-search

  1. 1
    Determine which kind of patent you want to seek. Utility patent covers up functional facets of invention whereas the design patent covers up only the appearance of invention.
    Ad
  2. 2
    Access patent database online like the ones offered by U.S. PTO (Patent and Trademark Office) and IBM. Find out the most important categories and sub-categories for the invention.
  3. 3
    Read out class descriptions in database for finding out, which are the ones that hold immense significance.
  4. 4
    Review all the patents that are issued within the categories or classes.
  5. 5
    Carry out the keyword searches for the potential invention. Don’t leave any stone unturned.
  6. 6
    Gather your entire patent search results in report.

Method 2 of 2: Hire Professional Experts

  1. 1
    Decide whether you need a patent attorney or patent agent or lay searcher. Patent agent is the one having a technical training and is licensed by U.S. PTO for preparing the US patent applications. For finding out patent searchers, you can have a look in yellow pages under the category of ‘Patent Searchers’.
  2. 2
    Use the searcher’s services proficiently. Do this by offering the searcher with complete and clear description of your discoveries or invention along with drawings.
  3. 3
    Analyze the searcher’s response methodically. Most search reports include the following: description of the invention or discovery provided by searcher for confirming absolute understanding of the invention and to just indicate what has been searched; list of references and patents discovered at the time of search, brief discussion about found patents and the references etc.
    Ad

We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about
healthy gardening soil?
Yes
No
healthy gardening soil
how to improve soil
Can you tell us about
wedding planning?
Yes
No
wedding planning
how to plan a small wedding
Can you tell us about
cleaning carpet?
Yes
No
cleaning carpet
how to clean vomit out of a carpet
Can you tell us about
wedding dresses?
Yes
No
wedding dresses
how to make your own wedding dress
Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about
...
Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.
Tips
Provide Details.
Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it. For example:
Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Submit

Tips

  • Do not be concerned about compromising your invention’s trade secrets while corresponding with the professional searcher. The information exchanged is regarded as confidential.
  • In order to have a thorough patent search with utmost accuracy you should be well aware about all the practices and techniques related to it. It is better to gather further information on the matter before you try your hands on it.
  • Inadequate or incomplete patent searches can simply waste money and time. Search comprehensively to ensure your plan is patentable and doesn’t infringe on the patents, which are in effect.

Related wikiHows

How to
Conduct a Workshop

Article Info

Categories: Research and Review

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,102 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No

Become
an Author!

Write an Article