Legal Definitions - patent search

A patent search is a process of researching existing patents to determine if an invention is new and unique enough to be granted a patent. When someone applies for a patent, they must prove that their invention is original and not already patented by someone else. A patent search helps to ensure that the patent application is not rejected due to similarities with existing patents.

For example, if someone invents a new type of phone case, they would want to conduct a patent search to make sure that no one else has already patented a similar phone case. If they find that someone else has already patented a similar phone case, they may need to modify their invention to make it more unique before applying for a patent.

A patent search typically involves reviewing previously issued patents using a database provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO offers two databases, PatFT and AppFT, which contain patents from different time periods. The USPTO also provides a seven-step strategy to assist applicants in conducting a patent search.