How to Check a Patent
The U.S Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the most reliable site to use when conducting patent searches. Some patents and trademarks, however, must be accessed outside of the USPTO. The website guides individuals through each database, providing directions on how to best connect with the right system. It will also help by providing examples of effective search queries.
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Instructions
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Decide on the type of search you would like to conduct. The website has a tool to help with a Quick Search, Advanced Search and Patent Number Search. It also has an option to access Help files at any point during your search.
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Perform a Quick Search. The Quick Search Page allows users to search the patent database using a two-term search. You will also need to select a year (or range) from a drop-down menu.
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Enter a search term in the Term 1 entry box. Use the Field 1 drop-down menu to select which field to apply to the term. Select an operator (and, or, andnot) from the box and enter the second search term in Field 2. Click Search. Note the search is not case sensitive.
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Perform an Advanced Search. This page allows you to do a full line search.
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Select a range from the years in the drop-down menu, as in the Quick Search. Enter a search line in the box and click Search.
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Perform a Search by Patent Number. Type the patent number in the box. Patent numbers are seven characters, excluding commas. Multiple numbers should be separated by a comma. Click Search. The result will be sorted by date, with most recent first.
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Tips & Warnings
If the patent you are looking for was registered from 1790 to 1975, it is searchable only by Issue Date, Patent Number and Current U.S. Classification.
References
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