Conducting a Comprehensive Patent Search: A Step-by-Step Guide

Conducting a comprehensive patent search is crucial for determining if your invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. This guide provides a step-by-step process for conducting a patent search, including how to use online databases, search strategies, and tips for analyzing search results.

Save 90% on your legal bills

A patent search is a crucial step in the patent application process. It helps you determine if your invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of conducting a comprehensive patent search, including how to use online databases, search strategies, and tips for analyzing search results.

Why is a patent search important? A patent search helps you:

  • Determine if your invention is novel and non-obvious
  • Identify potential prior art that may affect the scope of your patent
  • Refine your patent claims to ensure they are broad enough to cover your invention
  • Reduce the risk of patent infringement
  • Step 1: Define Your Search Scope

    Before conducting a patent search, define your search scope by:

    • Identifying the specific technology or industry related to your invention
    • Defining the specific features and functions of your invention
    • Identifying any relevant prior art or similar inventions
    • Step 2: Choose a Patent Search Database

      There are several online databases that you can use to conduct a patent search, including:

      • United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database
      • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database
      • Google Patents
      • PatentScope
      • Step 3: Conduct Your Search

        Once you've chosen a database, conduct your search by:

        • Using keywords and phrases related to your invention
        • Using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine your search
        • Using truncation and wildcards to search for variations of your keywords
        • Step 4: Analyze Your Search Results

          After conducting your search, analyze your results by:

          • Reviewing the abstracts and summaries of the patents and applications
          • Identifying the relevant prior art and similar inventions
          • Refining your patent claims to ensure they are broad enough to cover your invention
          • Step 5: Document Your Search

            Finally, document your search by:

            • Recording the dates and times of your searches
            • Recording the keywords and phrases used in your search
            • Recording the results of your search, including the patents and applications found
            • Conclusion

              A comprehensive patent search is a critical step in the patent application process. By following these steps, you can ensure that your invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful, and that your patent claims are broad enough to cover your invention. Remember to document your search and keep accurate records to ensure that your patent application is successful.

Legal help, anytime and anywhere

Join launch list and get access to Cimphony for a discounted early bird price, Cimphony goes live in 7 days
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Unlimited all-inclusive to achieve maximum returns
$399
$299
one time lifetime price
Access to all contract drafting
Unlimited user accounts
Unlimited contract analyze, review
Access to all editing blocks
e-Sign within seconds
Start 14 Days Free Trial
For a small company that wants to show what it's worth.
$29
$19
Per User / Per month
10 contracts drafting
5 User accounts
3 contracts analyze, review
Access to all editing blocks
e-Sign within seconds
Start 14 Days Free Trial
Free start for your project on our platform.
$19
$9
Per User / Per Month
1 contract draft
1 User account
3 contracts analyze, review
Access to all editing blocks
e-Sign within seconds
Start 14 Days Free Trial
Lifetime unlimited
Unlimited all-inclusive to achieve maximum returns
$999
$699
one time lifetime price

6 plans remaining at this price
Access to all legal document creation
Unlimited user accounts
Unlimited document analyze, review
Access to all editing blocks
e-Sign within seconds
Start 14 Days Free Trial
Monthly
For a company that wants to show what it's worth.
$99
$79
Per User / Per month
10 document drafting
5 User accounts
3 document analyze, review
Access to all editing blocks
e-Sign within seconds
Start 14 Days Free Trial
Base
Business owners starting on our platform.
$69
$49
Per User / Per Month
1 document draft
1 User account
3 document analyze, review
Access to all editing blocks
e-Sign within seconds
Start 14 Days Free Trial

Save 90% on your legal bills

Start Today