How does a patent search work?

A patent search or patentability search is the process of evaluating the patentability of your invention. Patent applications will be rejected by any authoritative patent offices you apply to (e.g., USPTO, JPO, CNIPA, etc.) if a granted patent for the same invention already exists.

Can I do a patent search myself?

Start at uspto.gov/patft. Next, under the heading Related USPTO Services, click on Tools to Help Searching by Patent Classification. You can now start searching. Patent searches may also be done at google.com/patents and at a number of other free sites.

Should you do a patent search?

Conducting a Professional Patent Search Because of the complexity and expense of filing a patent, a professional search is the best way to determine the patentability of your invention. A professional search conducted or managed by your patent attorney can help you: Determine the overall patentability of your invention.

How much does it cost to do a patent search?

A patent search cost can be anywhere from $100 to $3,000 depending on the complexity of your invention and covers research into existing patents and patent applications. You can use free online tools to do your own search, but an attorney can help you dig deeper.

How much does it cost for a patent search?

How do you conduct a thorough patent search?

References cited by the applicant and/or patent examiner may lead you to additional relevant patents. 6. Retrieve U.S. published patent applications with the CPC classification you selected in Step 3 in the AppFT (Applications Full-Text and Image) database (http://appft.uspto.gov).

Who conducts a patent search?

Patent searches are commonly conducted by patent lawyers with experience filtering through hundreds if not thousands of documents to identify those most relevant to the invention in issue and analyzing these documents to provide an opinion on the patentability of the invention, and/or the inventor’s freedom to operate.

How do I know if my invention qualifies for a patent?

Under U.S. patent law, an invention is patentable only if it meets the following four requirements, which are discussed in more detail below:

1. The invention must be statutory (subject matter eligible)
2. The invention must be new.
3. The invention must be useful.
4. The invention must be non-obvious.

How do you search a patent?

Find a patent according to patent number. If you know the patent number, you can search for the patent that way. At the patent number search page enter one patent number or more into the Query box. Separate multiple patent numbers by spaces. Choose “search” to find the patent number and information.

How to find a patent?

Method 1 of 4: Searching for Patents in Individual Countries Download Article. Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office website.

Method 2 of 4: Using International Search Tools Online Download Article. Use the Global Patent Search Network (GPSN). Included in the search engine of the U.S.

Method 3 of 4: Conducting a Useful Online Patent Search Download Article. Think of important words and phrases that relate to the invention.

Method 4 of 4: Working with a Professional Download Article. Hire a patent attorney.

How do I obtain a patent?

In order to successfully obtain a patent, you must: Be the inventor of the idea; or Have been assigned the invention by another person; or Be a legal representative (administrator or executor of the estate) of the deceased inventor; or Be the co-inventor (contributing more than money) and apply for a patent as joint inventors; and

How do I search for existing patents?

Start at uspto .gov/patft. Next, under the heading Related USPTO Services, click on Tools to Help Searching by Patent Classification. You can now start searching. Patent searches may also be done at google.com/patents and at a number of other free sites.