Creating jobs for America's future with its extraordinary ability to innovate! 
Any product, process or concept that has been previously sold in the marketplace or previously disclosed in trade journals, etc. will invalidate a patent. Make certain your invention does not already exist or has not been anticipated by experts in the field.
There are two important reasons to get a patentability opinion from a qualified patent attorney. First, if you're not an expert at interpreting patent claims the scope of your invention may be limited. Second, a patentability opinion is a powerful tool that can used to attract partners, licensees, financiers and so on.
The only way to verify if an invention is novel and unique is by doing a thorough search of patents and prior art. The scope of a patent and the viability of your invention depends on it.
How to patent search
Do your own preliminary patent search. Most novice inventors use the archaic US Patent Office (PTO) database and waste hours upon hours doing an inadequate search. Sorry about that!
FPTP members: Use the one-click IPSearchLink or Patent Hunter software (it's FREE for member). You'll save hours of valuable time and conduct a far more accurate, worldwide search (130 countries). Use the Quick Start Guide and FREE Patent Search Handbook to cut to the chase.
Regardless of the means...here's the basic procedure:
- Identify terminology used in the field of your invention. Patent searching is best done with word searches. Search various words that describe your inventive subject matter.
- Do a Boolean search if using the PTO website. Pronounced "boo-lee-in", this allows you to search two or more words such as "glue" and "hinge". The USPTO web site shows you how to do it. This tricky method is not required with IPSearchLink or Patent Hunter.
- Read the related patents and find the words describing your invention. For example, if you search the term "glue" you'll find other words that should be searched, such as "paste, adhesive, joint compound, adjoining means, and so on." The Quick Start Guide and Patent Search Handbook walk you though these steps.
- Download relevant patents. Use them for future reference.
Just remember, there is no exact science to searching. Take your time and gain experience.
Other search considerations:
- Prior art search. Unpatented prior art negates patent protection, such as existing products. Use IPSearchLink to search prior art.
- Patentability opinions. Licensees may not take you seriously without a legal opinion
- Invention promotion companies. Unfortunately, the patent searches we've seen are inadequate. You'd be wise to start over.
 |
How to use similar patents to broaden patent scope Sometimes patents are found that appear to be similar to your invention. Before punting the ball, check out these important factors that may actually broaden the scope of your invention...(more) |
All of our products carry our worry-free 30 day guarantee
Patent Hunter is FREE for members. Or, it costs only $99 which includes a FREE patentability opinion. Get started risk free.
Please contact us if you would like help with patent searching. Check out our legal support.
A few From Patent to Profit sponsors and endorsers |
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
|||||