0
The answer is to apply for a patent for that idea. It has to be researched thoroughly first by the patent office before the application can be approved. There is a fee involved for this. See the related link for more information on how to get started. Good luck!
Wiki User
∙ 16y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoMany countries required patented devices to have the patent numbers printed on them or their packaging.
You could also do a search of online information about an invention to determine if there are patents on it, or hire a professional patent searching company to do it, depending on why you need to know.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoA good, but by no means complete, place to start is with the US Patent & Trademark TESS (Trademark and Electronic Search System) located at http://www.uspto.gov.
Many trademarks & their respective holders are included in TESS, but in order to have a comprehensive search done you will have to contact a patent attorney.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoYou can search on the USPTO database at the link below for US patents. Other countries have their own patent offices. A US patent does not apply in other countries so a wider search may be required.
However, these searches only include issued patents and published applications. Some applications are not published (at the request of the applicant) and others will be published, but not until 18 months after they are filed. So you can search publicly available patent documents, but be aware that someone may have already filed for your invention and it's just not published yet.
There are two ways to be really sure: You can hire a patent search firm or you can file an application on the idea and let the PTO search for you ;)
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe process of finding patents can be difficult if you have no prior experience. Knowing how to do a search is important if you are out to gather information for reference, or even avoid duplication of an existing invention. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides information through patent searches. You can use a number, the name of the inventor or specific words. When using the name, it is important to follow specific steps to get the correct details.
Find the Inventor's NameYou should have the name of the inventor from prior knowledge. If not, do an internet search to find out who had the idea you are interested in. Note down the name, paying extra attention to get the correct spelling.
Access the USPTO Patent Search PageUsing your browser, go to patft.uspto.gov. Click on Quick, Advanced, or Number Search. It is on this page that you will type your search query. This will constitute of the name of the holder of a certain invention's registration records.
Type the Inventor's Name AppropriatelyType the name in the search box on the page. This should be entered in the right format. For instance, if you are querying Michael Wilkins, enter it as "in/wilkins-michael-$".
*a) Enter the characters "in/" in front of the name you are querying. This is to tell the search engine that you are doing a patent search by inventor.
*b) Follow those characters with the last name of the inventor, then a hyphen and first name. This is the correct order that can be analyzed on the website.
*c) End the query term with "-$". This indicates that the inventor may have a middle name even though it is not included in the query.
Change the Year of Patents You Are SearchingAfter typing the name, alter the "Select Year" to "1976 to present (entire database)." This is the first option on the drop down menu next to the query box. The results will include all patents that are yet to expire.
Click on the Search ButtonWith all the parameters set and the query entered, click on "Search" to see the results. The search engine will return a list relevant to your input on page load.
Select the Patent Number You Are Interested InThe results page will list all the relevant items held by the inventor. The results include the title of the invention and its number. Select the number you are interested in.
Explore the Information on the PatentOn clicking the number or title of invention you are interested in, the next page loads with information. Read through the information to see the details you are looking for.
View Patent ImagesClick on the "Images" button on the results page. This will enable you to view images associated with the patent. You will have seen all the information available to the public. You can still use the browser's "Back" button to explore information on previous pages.
As soon as you come up with an invention, it is important to do a patent search first. This will reveal any prior inventions that may be similar. It can also help you find related inventions that might shed more light on the development of yours. With such information, you will not only avoid losing time on something that has already been done, but also improve your invention.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
Where can you apply for invention patents?
If someone has invented something that they wish to patent, they will need to apply for a patent at the nearest patent office and provide details of the invention, preferably take the invention with them.
What happens if someone does not follow the patent rules?
Depending upon which rules you mean, they could be denied a patent application, have their issued patent voided, have patented claims cancelled, be prohibited from extending their patent application to other countries, and so forth. If you refer to someone other than a patentee, failing to "follow the rules" might prevent someone from obtaining a patent on their own device, or find themselves infringing someone else's patent.
How would someone patent something that is similar to an already patented product?
You have to file a Utility patent application form with The United States Patent and Trademark Office. A utility patent applies to any invention or new useful improvement thereof.
Do you need to patent something before you make or sell it?
Yes, you do because what if someone has already invented that thing.
What does patent search mean?
There are two kinds of search that people refer to as a patent search. 1. A search for patents and patent applications that might protect parts of something that you want to make/do. You'd do this kind of patent search if you wanted to know whether you'd infringe someone else's patent if you made/did that something. 2. A search for prior information that might show that an invention is not patentable. You'd do this kind of search if you wanted to know whether you could get a patent for an invention, or if you wanted to know whether someone else's patent is valid. The more usual meaning is number 1.
What does a patents attorney do?
A patent attorney is assigned to someone who has invented something. When a new invention has been made it requires a patent to secure that design under the inventors name. An attorney is needed for this process for legal help in order to legally secure the patent.
Where can one find a European patent attorney?
You can find a European patent attorney by using the EPO website. The EPO, or European Patent Office, contains a wealth of information on how to find a representative as well as how to apply for a patent.
Where do I go to start a patent search and do I need legal help?
Its fairly simple to demonstrate that an invention is useful, but how do you know whether your invention is new and non-obvious? Doing a thorough provisional patent search is how you can find out. Also, if you do your patent research before you find a patent lawyer, youll likely to cut some of your legal costs. If someone else has already come up with your invention, its better to find out early in the process, before you spend money to patent an idea.
How do i find out when a patent number was registered?
You communicate with the Patent Office.
Can someone apply for a patent while a product is under pending patent?
Absolutely. The term "patent pending" applied to a product has no legal ramifications. It's just advertising that they are trying to patent the technology that went into the product. Only an issued patent is enforcable. Some products will print patent numbers on their packaging if patents have issued for the technology. You cannot get a patent for something you didn't invent though. Filing a patent application involves signing an oath, and lying under oath is perjury. Patent pending can only be displayed on the product/services, when you have applied for a patent. So, there is no question of applying for a patent while a product is under pending patent. http://indiapatents.blogspot.com
What is a patent license agreement used for?
A patent liscense agreement is used to prevent someone else from producing the product you have produced (if you have a patent liscense agreement).
How do you find out if someone has submitted any pictures or videos of me on the web without my permission?
Look up your name or something like that. eventually you will find something if someone has.
