We all know patent and non-patent literatures are valuable data sources that can lead you to the next great idea. But, the best patent search techniques will enable you to discover insights that can be crucial for your business. Here we share five simple search strategies that we use at sherinianlaw.net to make the most of your patent searches.
Patents have two primary purposes. They give rights to the inventor and stop others from copying an inventor’s work. Patents encourage innovation and research by ensuring that work is focused on new ideas. Patent searches are a way to help inventors avoid wasted time and money on duplicating others’ work. This is particularly important if you plan to file for a Patent.
Patent Searching Tips
Patents are complicated. How can you do a good patent search? Let’s discuss strategies one by one.
1. Keyword-Based Searches
Using the right keywords can help you find the best prior art.
- Collect all synonyms relevant to keywords.
- Prepare search strategies that utilize correct syntax, truncations and wildcards.
- The problem with keyword searches alone is that it generates large volumes of data. This data must be scanned/filtered further for the right prior art.
2. Search Using the Classification Code
All possible keywords can be replaced by one classification code in this area. This is an often-used technique by experienced professional searchers. However, it takes time and/or experience to find the proper classification codes. However, the payoff is that searching with the correct classification codes reduces search time dramatically. A classification code retrieves patents relevant to a particular inventive area.
3. Keyword & Classification Code Search
Combining a keyword with a class code will quickly produce a relevant prior art.
- Patent Citations: Patent citations include either forward citations (patents and patent applications that cite a particular piece of art) or backward cited sources; i.e., references that are cited on a particular patent.
- Backward-citation search: Search for (typically) older references before the filing of a particular Patent or Patent Application. If you are looking for closely related patents or literature, it is possible to do patent searches for backward citations.
- Forward citation search: If you are looking for forwarding citations, you can find patents that claim priority to a particular patent, or that have cited to the particu.
4. Assignee/Inventor Search
An inventor or assignee operating on the tech is constantly improving and improving the current technology.
- If you’re looking for art, research the significant players and examine the patents.
- It may help you to find patents associated with an assignee or inventor.
5. Incorporating Metadata
Patents, structured documents with various bibliographic data can be used to identify and explain the invention covered in the respective patent(s). This data can be used to enhance our patent-searching process.
For example, patent documents include bibliographic information such as patent number and title. We can make our search more effective and comprehensive by doing such a search.
Patent Searching: How to Find Patents
Each year, thousands of inventors create new inventions. Just like an author needs to know that his story is original before selling that story, an inventor should make sure his or her invention is original. This involves determining whether an identical or similar design has been patented. A lawsuit could result if you attempt to sell a product patented by another.
Patents are publicly available. Patents will generally be made public within 12 months of being filed. There are some exceptions to this rule.
Patent Searching by Yourself
You will need to take a few steps to find out how to do a patent search by yourself. To save money, entrepreneurs often do their own patent searches. However, your patent search is only valuable if it is conducted properly.
The patent search benefits every entrepreneur because it exposes you to similar products and inventions. A patent search can help you discover similar products, and you might decide to create an entirely new invention.
It is crucial to find free search tools before you begin your search. You’ll need to use free and paid search software to find the best results. It is also important to devise a strategy to streamline the search process.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is It Necessary To Obtain A Patent?
A patent affords inventors extremely valuable rights. If you are planning to create a new and innovative product, a patent can be extremely valuable, as it effectively confers a monopoly for a period of time. Patent searches are a way to ensure your product is original. It will also tell you if your product is likely to receive patent approval.
Do Foreign Patent Searches Need To Be Done?
Typically no, but it can be very valuable to search for foreign patents as well as domestic patents.
Do I Need An Attorney?
Absolutely! A patent attorney can help find similar patents for your idea and help decide if it’s original. If your invention is eligible for a patent, they can assist you in applying and receiving patent protection.
At the Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC, our attorneys have extensive experience in helping inventors get patents. Reach out to us and we would be happy to help you as well.