How to Conduct an Invention Originality Search
If you are an inventor who has conceived a new product-invention idea, a simple originality search is an important preliminary step that should precede an in-depth patent search.
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Instructions
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How to Conduct an Invention Originality Search
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True Inventions Solve Problems or add Convenience Determine that your idea for a product-invention is truly original and innovative; by making sure it will be of value to the general population. This would include inventions that solve a problem or that add convenience or pleasure to common tasks people perform in daily life. If it meets this requirement, which helps to establish its originality, patent protection might also be obtainable.
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Searching Stores for similar Product-Inventions Find a major department store to search its shelves and to determine if there are any products that are similar to your invention. Some retail outlets have consumer catalogs available as well and you can page through those to see if a product similar to your invention is already being marketed by someone else. If this search does not find similar products, this will further establish originality.
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Conducting an Online Product Search Go online and conduct research on search engines, using search terms that describe the purpose and design of your invention, to find any existing products similar to yours. For a thorough search, use as many variations of search terms as possible, to rule out any similar inventions that are already on the market. If this step also points to unique originality, a detailed patent search can then follow.
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Tips & Warnings
A true patent search can be conducted online at the United States Patent and Trademark Office website, but an invention originality search is a basic first step in preparing for it.
It is important to understand that an invention that is publicly disclosed a year or more before a patent pending is obtained, can result in one being denied.
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Resources
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