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Conducting a Patent Search at the
Central Library
- Document your invention. The U.S. has a "first to invent" system, so you should keep careful records of your work. You can also file an Invention Disclosure Statement with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
- Learn about the process. Visit the Central Library and do some reading. We have lots of materials to help you with your patent search.
- Conduct a complete and accurate patent search. If your invention is not new, you will not be granted a patent for it. An average patent search takes many hours, so plan enough time to do it well.
- Develop the invention to a marketable state. Is it useful? Is it cost-effective to produce?
- Evaluate your invention's marketability. Are there enough customers for it to make a patent application worth the expense? Investigate ways to sell your invention.
- Consult an intellectual-property attorney to prepare and file your application. Check the list called "Patent Attorneys and Agents Registered to Practice Before the USPTO," located in the library at R346.73 ATT, or online at http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/roster/index.html.
Before you apply for a patent…
Some things to consider:
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office provides helpful tutorials at:
http://www.uspto.gov/ebc/portal/tutorials.htm
For information on patents and trademarks, contact the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office at 1-800-786-9199 or visit their website at:
Last updated: March 18, 2010