Patents

Identify the key concepts of your invention.

Remember inventions are classified by how they work and not their intended use.

Using the Index to US Patent Classifications, find the class/subclass numbers that best describe your invention. All patents are arranged into hierarchical groupings called "class/subclass". These groupings allow you to view all of the patents that work in a similar fashion.

Using the Manual of Classification, view the definitions for the class(es)/subclass(es) you have identified. You may find referrals to other classes and subclasses to consider. The definitions may help determine cross-referenced or incorrect classifications.

For each class/subclass identified, look at the abstract and bibliographic information for the patents in the classifications that you have identified. View the patent abstracts and images to determine if an appropriate classification has been chosen for your search. Make note of the patent numbers for patents that are similar to your idea.

Once you've determined which patents are closely related to your idea, you'll need to proceed to review the complete text and drawings of the related patents and published applications to determine the differences between your invention and the established patents and published applications.

Search the Official Gazette and Published Patent Application database of the United States Patent and Trademark Office to ensure no recently posted applications match your invention.

If you do not find a patent that is the same as your invention, you may consider filing a patent application. If you find a patent that is the same as your invention, you may not file a patent application.