If you’re wondering how to lookup a patent, this article will guide you through the process. You can lookup a patent by inventor name, patent number, and subject matter. You can also find the patent by looking up the patent number by using the search box at the top of the webpage. To ensure that your next big idea is not already in use, you should conduct a patent search. This article covers some of the most important tips when you’re searching for a patent online. You’ll also be able to view images and the full text of the patent.
what is a patent search
Patent searches are used to evaluate the patentability of an invention. Any patent office that you apply to, such as the USPTO, JPO or CNIPA, will reject your application if a patent has been granted for the same invention, it will be rejected. It is possible to check if a similar patent has been granted. If you have the funds, professional help or patent search software are always options for more thorough results.
Nearly every aspect of human endeavor has been revolutionized by the internet. Entrepreneurs can do virtually all their business activities online. The internet helps you save time and money when you launch a new business. It provides information that is not available elsewhere.
A patent search is often the first step in the patent process. It is used to assess how an invention differs from the prior art. Patent searches will not reveal if your invention is infringing another’s patent.
Patent searches are beneficial to the inventor because they identify the closest prior art. This allows us to determine how patentable the invention and what parts of it are most different from prior art. Even if the invention is not yet available for sale, a patent search can reveal whether the inventor has made it.
Both new and experienced inventors can use the internet to help them overcome potential roadblocks before they become too costly. Is the idea already created? A patent search in the U.S. will give you the answer.
best ways to lookup for a patent
You can lookup a patent by inventor name, patent number, and subject matter. Below we discuss in details:
#1. Search for a patent online
There are a number of online patent databases you can use to find a patent. A quick lookup will allow you to use two keywords and one connector word. Alternatively, you can enter a patent number directly into the query box, no commas required. You can choose to lookup for the patent number with a drop-down menu and have the search engine find the terms that are listed under the term. The search engine will look at all the fields of the patent and return results based on the terms you enter.
You can search the USPTO database for patents that were issued from 1790 to 1975. You can search for the patent number or the current U.S. classification, but this method is not always accurate. Using keywords to find the patent is not recommended, as they may not relate to the invention. Using patent numbers will give you the correct patent. Often, patent applications are in their own database called Applications Full Text.
You can also find a patent image by using Google’s Patents Page. The website offers a PDF version of the patent, as well as several fields to lookup. You can also search by country. A search is easy and quick. The results will be updated frequently. If you’re interested in a particular invention, it’s best to conduct your research in the country where it was issued. In many cases, a country’s patent number is repeated from year to year, so you might need to conduct several searches before identifying a patent.
Another option is to hire a professional patent researcher. Patent searchers have extensive knowledge about patent law and can provide a second opinion on whether a certain invention is patentable. Professionals can also interpret patent applications, which are very technical and often contain a large amount of information. They will also know that an aspect of an invention that isn’t explicitly claimed on another patent can count as prior art. The patent system is designed to encourage progress and innovation.
#2. Search for a patent by inventor name
There are several ways to lookup for a patent. A quick search of the USPTO can be done by entering the Inventor’s name or the company’s name. Name spellings can change over time. Once you have a company or name, you can choose a range of years, such as 1976 to the present, and then type in the second search term. You’ll then see the full text and images of the patent.
You can also try searching by assignee or class. In this way, you’ll find variations on the same invention. A patent by IBM would return 589 patents, but the same search for International Business Machines would return 111221 patents. Use Boolean operators to refine your search. Make sure to save the patent number as it will come in handy when searching for the patent. After you have located the patent number, go back to the Advanced Search Page and refine your search further using keywords or a class.
After narrowing down the field by selecting the patent type, you can start searching for patents with the name of the inventor. If you’re not an expert in the field, you can use the product’s maker or researcher to find relevant patents. After you narrow down the search by author, search by inventor name, cited references, and classification codes. These methods may yield more results than you originally expected.
You can also use keyword to lookup a patent based on an inventor’s name. This method is quick and does not require highly specialized search skills, but you may have trouble finding a patent with this method if the technology is not classified well. By default, keyword searches are only available for patents published since 1976. Older patents are available for full text searches on Google Patents.
You can also conduct a search using the USPTO’s website or the Free Patents Online site. Once you have entered the inventor’s name, a list of patents issued in the inventor’s name will be displayed. You can then click the patent’s details to view it in full. There are a number of other websites where you can find patents for inventions. The best ones are unbiased and free.
#3. Search for a patent by patent number
To find a patent by patent number, start by entering the name of the inventor or company in the box. Names are often spelled differently over time, so type it in exactly as you know it. Next, select the year range you are looking for, either all years or 1976 to present. You can then type in a second search term, such as “company name” to search for patents by company name. If you are lucky, you will see the full text of the patent along with images.
The USPTO offers a variety of search tools, including a free tutorial to help you perform your patent search on existing patents. You can also check out patent related materials in their library. Some of these materials are available only in the library, while others are available for checkout. When you find a patent, don’t forget to make a note of the date the patent was issued. This information will help you identify any subsequent patents that may have been filed on the same date.
A good tool to search for a patent by patent number is a free tool called Lens. These resources offer access to millions of patent documents. They also allow you to limit your search to specific fields in the patent. By using a patent number and an official classification scheme, you can quickly find several related patents. For example, if you think of a new invention that is similar to an existing one, brainstorming words related to the invention may help you find similar patents.
The USPTO has an excellent web page with copies of patents and other related filings. A search for a patent by patent number can take several hours or a few days, depending on the number of documents you’re looking for. The USPTO web page is a great resource for patent information, and other sites like Google Patents and European Patent Office Espacenet have useful patent information.
#4. Search for a patent by subject matter
If you have an idea for a new product and are interested in researching patents, you may have heard about the process of searching for a patent. You can do so by entering the subject matter and name of the product into the search bar and clicking “Search”. After the search, you will see a list of the results, including the patent drawings. Click on any patent to read the full text of the patent and view the drawings. The subject matter search is the easiest way to find patents that may be related to competitors or similar products.
The USPTO provides a menu for US patent classifications. Once you have found a specific patent, you can use its patent number to find it. The USPTO database will return several hundred thousand patents, so you should do multiple searches and try several search terms. Before making a decision, make sure to read the patent to determine whether it is relevant to your product or not. Make a note of the classification number of the patent so you can do a classification search later.
Another way to search for a patent is to check out the USPTO Official Gazette, which lists approved patents and representative drawings. You can browse the gazette by year, this will bring up a list of patents with full text and images.
Among the many ways to search for a patent, the United States Patent and Trademark Office maintains the most comprehensive patent database. This site has separate databases for patents and patent applications, and also has the Patent Full-Text and Image (PatFT) database. Several free online resources provide access to U.S. and European patents. It is a good idea to check with both sources before you make a decision.
Now over to you
Patentability is when an invention is eligible and has both novelty and non-obviousness. As inventor performing a patent search determines whether “prior art” is present. This is done in order to verify if the invention has been patented elsewhere in the world or in the United States. It is necessary to search for similar patents in the United States or abroad.
Our experience of over 15 years in patent search. Our team provides accurate, thorough, and comprehensive results to law firms worldwide. Get your patent search started with PatentPC to save time and money before you invest.