Search

The best way to qualify if your invention is unique and novel is by conducting a patent search. It is also the best way to help determine the potential breadth your patents may have. Generally speaking, the broader the scope of your patents, the better your protection.

How to conduct a patent search

You can conduct your own preliminary patent search on the internet. It's not very difficult. You will need to learn just a few things. They are:

1. Terminology in the field of your invention. Patent searching is best done by doing word searches on existing patents. You'll have to try various words to describe your inventive matter. Once you start reading related patents you'll learn the best terminology. For instance, if your invention has two parts that are glued together, you could search the word "glue". But you'd be wise to also search paste, adhesive, joint compounds, adjoining means and so on. How do you learn about these various words and terms? Easy, start conducting your search with the word "glue" and jot down the other words used in the referenced patents.

2. Boolean search. The best way to narrow your search is to use the Boolean (pronounced "boo-lee-in") methodology. That allows you to use a key word, but in a certain context. For instance, you can use the word "glue" and "hinge", but not "metal". Thus, your search would be narrowed down to wood, plastic, cloth hinges and so on. The U.S. Patent Office web site shows you how to do this. You can also use a program, such as PatentHunter and it shows you how to enter search terms right alongside the query box. It is almost too simple

3. Download relevant patents. You can download patents from the various search sites at a cost of $3-$5. That's if you can figure out how to use their online ordering system! Sorry USPTO and IBM, it's true. Or, use the PatentHunter software and download as many as you wish for $69.95. PatentHunter also maintains yours downloaded patents in folders for future crystal-clear copies. It is so simple and intuitive to use, first-time users will instantly be searching and compiling relevant patents in just a few minutes. There's more information on how you can buy PatentHunter in our bookstore.

Problems with patent searches

One of the greatest deficiencies with a patent search is that it does not include the searching of other prior art. In other words, products that may already be on the market or have been previously discussed or disclosed in trade journals, etc. Thus, you'll want to make certain that the product does not already exist anywhere in the world, or has not been anticipated by experts in the field, else you cannot file for US patent protection. Sometimes you can search the internet to see if a similar product already exists. Do this by using one of the recommend web sites below.

Another problem with doing your own patent search is that being inexperienced you may miss something. This could become extremely important if you have a major licensee that is serious about licensing your invention. The last thing in the world you'll want to have happen is to see a prior art patent surface that'll kill the project. If you are uncertain, or in serious talks with a licensee or partner, you may want to consider a professional service. Email us your name and address and we'll snail mail you information on an experienced attorney in Washington DC.

Internet search sites

There are several good web sites. Some are easy, some are cumbersome. With these web sites you can search just about everywhere in the world. We'll keep it real simple for you!

Patent searching web sites:

Prior Art Searching: