How to Track Patents in the United States
Many thousands of creative Americans get their ideas patented yearly, and their ideas permanently go on record. This can make tracking a patent a very tedious process, especially if you are unsure about where to start. Fortunately, computer technology has made tracking a patent easier than it was in the past.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Classification Search
-
1
Write a list of keywords that are related to the invention's use, composition and purpose.
-
2
Log onto the United States Patent and Trademarks Office's website at www.uspto.gov. This website covers every patented invention and idea in the United States.
-
-
3
Go to the United States Patent Classification System's Index to look for your keywords or possible matches to your keywords. The website refers to your keywords as classes and subclasses. Be sure to check whether each class and subclass that the database turns up is relevant to your original keyword(s) before going any further in using the classification schedule.
-
4
Beside each class and subclass matching your keyword is a number. Click on this number and make note of the number on paper.
-
5
Review the classification description to make sure the classes and subclasses match your keywords. Note the names of the classes and subclasses that match your keyword(s).
-
6
Go to the website's "Issued Patents" and the "Published Applications" databases, enter the name of the subclasses that most closely match your keyword(s) in their search boxes and search the two databases. The "Issued Patents" database shows all patents from as early as 1790 to present and provides images of their design. The "Published Applications" database shows recently published patents that have no image of their drawing or design. In order for a patent to be issued, it must also have an image that gives the reader an overall description of how it works.
-
7
Once your results have been loaded, a list of patents will appear that most closely match the subclasses you entered. Go over each patent's claims, specifications, and imaged drawings of the patent's design.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Classes help broaden your search and subclasses help narrow your search, so use the subclass name first when attempting to track a patent. Always review each patent's image or design to be sure that it matches what you are looking for.
Alongside the search box which allows you to enter keyword(s) there is a "Field of Search" box that allows you to narrow your search down according to state, city and even inventor name.
If attempting to patent an idea, check the website to make sure it isn't patented already to prevent valuable time and money being invested in creating something that already exists.
