How can I know if my invention has already been patented?
Sometimes you have an idea and you can’t help but wonder if someone else has already had that idea too. Perhaps you have seen that great idea of yours come to life in the form of a new invention. However, how do you determine if that invention has already been designed and patented by someone else? The following text can help you know if your invention has already been patented.
Is your invention patentable?
Before trying to determine if someone else has patented your invention, you can first assess whether your invention is copyrighted. The United States Patent and Trademark Office provides information that can help you determine if your invention is patentable (uspto.gov/inventors/patents.jsp#heading-3). Please note that laws of nature or physical phenomena cannot obtain a patent. Also, abstract ideas or inventions that are considered harmful or offensive to the public may not qualify for protection. To qualify for a patent, your invention must be new and not obvious. It must also be evaluated for prescribed use. The inventions most often eligible for protection may be an article of manufacture, a process, a machine, or a definitive improvement on any of these.
Discover that your invention has already been patented
The United States Patent and Trademark Office allows you to perform both quick and advanced patent searches; Patents can also be searched by product case number, although in this case you are simply looking for evidence of a similar or the same registered invention. It is essential to search between patents; Some people start their search by simply googling their idea or invention. This type of search, while interesting, can be misleading, as there may be no trace of the invention other than the registration of your protected product.
Searching for a patent can often be difficult. For this reason, many inventors work with an international patent and new invention company to help them navigate the ins and outs of the patent process. Because some inventions can be time sensitive, working with consultants can make the entire process run smoothly and lead to the production of your invention. When conducting your own patent search, you should plan to search for both national and international patents. The patent office recommends that you conduct this search before applying for product protection. Furthermore, they even recommend that novice patent seekers obtain the services of a qualified patent agent or attorney to assist in the search process.
Touching a useful resource
Since even research specialists like librarians can have a hard time helping you in your patent search effort, a patent agent who specializes in this area is a great resource to use. Because a patent search is simply the first step in a long process to see your idea come to fruition, this type of company can help you with all aspects of patenting and eventual product production. To safeguard your invention and move the patent process forward, a team of renowned patent experts like Innovate Product Design is a definite step in the right direction.