How to Search Invention Patents

Searching for invention patents can be a long and tedious process, if the patent number isn't on the item you're researching. Part of the challenge is that patents are not listed by the invention's name, but instead by its function. However, there are a host of resources to help you search invention patents.

Instructions

Quick Patent Search

1. Check the invention for a patent number. Many products have their patent or patent pending number on the label or bottom of the item itself.

2. Use Google Patent to find the product. Visit http://www.google.com/patents and input the patent number you found on the product into the search box. Click "Search Patents" to receive results.

3. Visit the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) online. The USPTO provides greater details about a patent including its type and whether or not it was reissued. You can do a patent number search online at http://patft.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/srchnum.htm or visit one of the field offices.

Patent Search Without Patent Number

1. List what you know about the item. Searching a patent is easiest if you know something about it such as the name of the inventor or patent holder, or the issue date of the patent. If you don't know any of that information, list characteristics and functions of the item. Patents aren't listed by their names, but rather by what they do (their function).

2. Do a patent search at the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) online. Visit http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/search/index.jsp and choose either a "Quick Search," which allows you to search on two keywords, or an "Advanced Search" which allows you to search keywords along with other known facts such as the patent owner's name.

3. Determine the item's classification. Use your list of functional items to identify a classification for the item. The "Quick Search" option will give you a long list of items with the same keywords along with their classifications. Or you can use the USPTO's classification page http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/classification/ to search classification information.

4. Narrow down your search. Even with a few keywords and classifications, you'll have hundreds of results to weed through. You can narrow your search by adding additional keywords to it. Use the keywords and classifications from patents that are the most similar to the one you're searching about. Once you find the item in question, you'll be able to get details such as the patent number, issue date and patent owner.

Tips & Warnings

• Without information such as a patent number or owner's name, searching for patents can be a long tedious process. You may need to start over or backtrack if you're not getting the results you need. Utilizing various keyword combinations and classifications can help.

References

• Google Patents
• USPTO Patent Number Search
• USPTO Patent Search

Resources

• USPTO Patent Classification Search