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Patent Number Search
Patent number search refers to doing a typical patent search but by using only the patent number assigned to the invention. Patent number search can be done by doing a search on by International Application Number.
There are several different ways of doing patent number search on the web. Detailed information and links to the various patent web sites can be found on the S&E Finding Patents web page. The two major patent web sites recommended by the S&E library are the Delphion Intellectual Property Network and the United States Patent and Trademark office (USPTO). The Delphion site contains a database of complete patents from 1974 until the present in an image format, plus some patents issued during 1971-1973. The U.S.P.T.O Patent Database starts from 1790 to present and provides the full image of each patent as well as bibliographic data and "front-page" information. The U.S.P.T.O allows you to use several different fields making this the ideal database for in-depth patent number search pertaining to the invention.
The following tasks are necessary in conducting patent number search:
1. select an appropriate patent web site
2. recognize a patent number
3. search by patent number search at the Delphion Intellectual Property Network or USPTO web site
4. view the results of your patent number search
5. order copies of the patent
The importance of patent number search could be underestimated. Patent number search could serve as your ground in filing a patent application. The following are some reasons for conducting a patent number search:
1. Find out if your invention is patentable.
Patent number search can verify if someone has patented on your invention.
2. Avoid patent infringement.
A thorough patent number search will prevent lawsuits from infringing on someone else's patent.
3. Find similar patents.
Read the patents of similar products to get ideas to improve your design. A patent number search will bring you up to date on the state of the art.
4. Protect your patent.
When writing a patent application, an attorney should know what the most similar patents cover. A patent can be invalidated if you don't find similar prior art patents. If you file a patent without a comprehensive patent number search, you risk another previous inventor coming forward and invalidating your invention.
5. Marketing your invention.
If you don't yet have a patent, the best way to sell a license is a strong patentability opinion from a patent attorney. A strong patent number search will show that the idea can be patented and licensed.
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