Since you had that amazing “aha!” moment. A major invention so ahead of its time, it will totally change everything! You can feel the excitement and you really want to get a patent for your work. However, before you focus on the intricacies of filing for a patent, it is important to take one vital first step as an inventor like you. A thorough patent search.
Treat a patent search as your duty to identify any related patents. It means you want to know if someone else is already planning to use the same construction idea as yours. A thorough patent search can save you various resources, guard against possible legal troubles and help your patent application succeed.
The purpose of this guide is to help the inventor understand some key points. We will guide you through doing a patent search using free tools like Google Patents and various online platforms. Let’s join forces as we start this important course.
Why is a Patent Search Absolutely Essential for Inventors?
It is very common for inventors to decide to file their application right away, without considering a patent search. However, making sure you understand the value of this stage is extremely important. Here’s why:
Novelty is Key: If your invention has already been revealed publicly someplace else in the world before your filing date, it will not be granted a patent. The goal of searching for patents is to see if something similar to your invention is already existing.
Avoid Infringement: If you are aware of similar patents in the beginning, you are less likely to infringe on another’s intellectual property rights. Doing this now can prevent you from facing expensive lawyer fees in the future.
Refine Your Invention: Looking through patents can reveal the current technology and solutions in your area of interest. With this knowledge, you can look for ways to enhance your idea, highlight its top qualities and think of ways to apply your device in other areas.
Assess Patentability: Seeing what patents are currently held teaches you if your invention is likely to match the patent rules about novelty, non-obviousness and utility.
Save Time and Money: Taking the step to file a patent is an investment of your time and effort. You will no longer have to go through the application process if your invention has already been granted a patent.
Your Toolkit: Free Patent Search Resources for Inventors
Being an inventor on a budget, you will be glad to know that you can use many excellent free resources for a first patent search. Here are some of the most important platforms you can take advantage of:
1. Google Patents: The Best Place to Look for Patent Information
Using Google Patents (patents.google.com), users can easily find millions of published patents and patent applications from across the globe. Anyone looking to start a patent search can find it easy to use on https://patents.google.com/.
Using Google Patents to Your Advantage:
Start with Keywords: First, sit down and come up with search terms that reflect the main features, function and uses of your invention. Cast a wide net at the start and then focus your search as needed. If your invention is an automated way to water plants in a pot, you might begin by using the terms “self-watering,” “plant pot,” “automatic watering,” “moisture sensor,” etc.
Experiment with Different Search Terms: Make sure you use a variety of keywords instead of only using a few. Work with substitutes, related fields and other combinations so that you don’t leave any relevant patents behind.
Utilize Boolean Operators: Get better search results by using operators such as AND OR and NOT.
AND: Type “self-watering AND plant pot” to get results that match both terms.
OR: Use “automatic watering OR soil moisture sensor” to see documents with either term in them.
NOT: You may add “plant pot NOT plastic” to your search to exclude any results with the word “plastic.”
Explore IPC and CPC Codes: The IPC and CPC systems are used to sort and group patents according to their main areas of technology. Knowing some of the relevant classification codes for your invention lets you better focus your search for patents. You may commonly see these codes listed in patent documents that you have already identified.
Filter Your Results: You can use Google Patents to refine your search by selection publication date, filing date, inventor name, company that owns the patent and the patent office. You can use the filters to look at only the results that matter most to you.
Review Patent Documents Carefully: After identifying potentially suitable patents, read through all of their text, including the claims and drawings. The claims outline the parts of the technology that are protected by the patent.
Track Down Citations: Check out the sections in Google Patents labeled “Cited by” and “Similar documents.” They can guide you towards other important patents that you didn’t find when you first looked for them.
2. Other Free Online Patent Databases: Expanding Your Search Horizon
While Google Patents is useful, you can find more information by looking at other patent databases online. Some valuable options include:
USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office): USPTO Patent Public Search is hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. If you want to search for patent information in the US, the search tool at ppubs.uspto.gov should be your main resource. It allows users to access patents that have been granted and applications that have been filed in the US.
Espacenet (European Patent Office): If you are interested in European patents, you can access over 130 million documents from everywhere through the worldwide Espacenet website at worldwide.espacenet.com.
WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization): WIPO IP Portal is provided by the World Intellectual Property Organization. You can find the PATENTSCOPE resource and other IP information on the WIPO IP Portal at wipo.int/portal/en/.
National Patent Offices’ Websites: There are free online databases on patents available through many national offices. You should visit the official websites of the countries you are interested in regarding patents. To find information on intellectual property in India, use the official Intellectual Property India site (ipindia.gov.in).
💡Tips for Using Other Free Databases:
Take some time to learn how to use the search functions in every database. The search and filter tools are different on these portals than they are on Google Patents.
Do not give up and search in several ways on every platform to help you locate relevant examples.
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at the start, but don’t give up. The more you use these databases, the less intimidating they will seem.
Refining Your Search Strategy: Thinking Like an Examiner
Try to consider the process used by a patent examiner as you conduct your own patent search. How would they verify that your invention offers something new and unexpected?
Check All The Details Of Your Invention. Concentrate on multiple important areas in your preparation. Consider the individual elements, their functions and the ways they are combined to make your invention different.
Don’t limit your search to only identical terms; try looking for concepts that are alike. A similar, although not identical invention, can still influence whether your invention is patentable. Pay attention to products that fix the same issue or share common parts, even if the way they work is not the same.
Explore Different Fields of Technology. Your invention could be useful for things you didn’t originally think of. Perform patent searches in fields other than your own because similar inventions could show up there.
Don’t Forget Non-Patent Literature. Patent databases are important, but you can also look for useful information in scientific papers, technical articles and product listings. If these show your invention before your filing date, they become prior art
How the Research of a Professional is Different from an Individual
Free search tools are very useful when you start looking for patents, but professional patent searchers or patent attorneys know a lot more and can conduct much deeper searches. Here’s why:
Specialized Databases and Tools: Licensed patent searchers regularly use databases and advanced tools that provide comprehensive searches and better ways to filter their results.
Expert Search Strategies: Patent experts know how to create detailed and effective search approaches. They are proficient in how patents are categorized, legal wording and proper keyword use to discover any prior art, no matter how hard to find.
Legal Interpretation: Professionals are able to review the details of a patent’s description and what is protected within the law. An in-depth view helps you check for infringement risks and determine if your idea can be patented.
Time Efficiency: It usually takes a lot of time to do an extensive patent search, especially for those who do not already know how. Professionals will handle these searches, so you have time to work on refining your invention.
Objective Analysis: Even though you are excited about your invention, it helps to have a professional review the possibilities of obtaining a patent.
Although it is good to check for patents online yourself first, it is advised to involve a patent professional to help you with a better search and review before you proceed further with your application. With their help, you can have a better chance of getting a strong and upheld patent.
Intellect Bastion LLP: Your Partner in Patent Protection
We recognize at Intellect Bastion LLP the passion and commitment that you have as an inventor. Patent searches are performed here by skilled and experienced professionals. You can rely on our team to use specialized resources and tested techniques to give you a comprehensive view of existing patents. We look for more than just similar patents. We examine the laws that apply and deliver detailed reports to aid you in deciding your patent course of action. Collaborate with Intellect Bastion LLP to secure your innovative businesses.
About the Author
Bhawna Kaur, Patent Assistant at Intellect Bastion
Get in Touch with Intellect Bastion for expert guidance:
📞 Contact Us: +91 9977007307
📧 Email: help@intellectbastion.com
