| You've got a great new concept. You've invented | | | | patent, will include statutory invention registrations, |
| something so unique that it's worthy of patent. Or is | | | | certificates of reexamination, and the current status |
| it? | | | | of the patent subsequent to its issuance. You will also |
| Surely no one has already come up with such a | | | | be given access to the patent and trademark |
| unique concept or product. Or have they? | | | | sections of the Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent |
| Before you apply for a patent from the U.S. Patent | | | | and Trademark Office as well as every PTO index, |
| and Trademark Office that is exactly what you'll | | | | directory and tools for a patent search. |
| need to find out. | | | | The U.S. PTO suggests that you use this seven-step |
| The PTO is, as the federal patent source in the | | | | process for your patent search: |
| United States, also the storage facility for all patent | | | | (1) Start with the Index to the U.S. Patent |
| information in the country. In fact, it's here where | | | | Classification, which is divided alphabetically, offering a |
| you can find many patents from other parts of the | | | | search by use, structure, end product and effect. |
| globe as well. Here, therefore, is where you'll need to | | | | You'll want to make note of any relevant |
| go to find out if you're really going where "no one | | | | classification and sub-classification numbers; |
| has gone before." | | | | (2) Next go to the Manual of Classification and search |
| The U.S. PTO is housed in Alexandria VA and you're | | | | out the noted classifications and sub-classifications; |
| welcome to visit the facility and browse the files on | | | | (3) Read the Classifications Definitions publication, |
| active, retired and pending patents in person. Here | | | | which will give you better clarity on whether the |
| you'll find all patents from 1790. While those awarded | | | | patents you've noted are closely aligned with your |
| prior to 1920 are simply listed, without backup details, | | | | new concept; |
| and those 1920-1970 offer a little more detail, any | | | | (4) Peruse the Patent Titles and Abstracts, which will, |
| patent issued from 1971 to the present is available in | | | | with patents subsequent to 1920, offer more detail |
| its entirety - application and backup and process | | | | on each patent you've chosen to explore; |
| details included - on microfilm or disc. | | | | (5) Now access the Subclass Listing, which will display |
| For those who wish to search without a trip to the | | | | all patents from 1790, and even current applications |
| Virginia PTO office patent information is available | | | | not yet approved or finalized, that fall under the |
| online for post-1976 patents, or you can visit the | | | | sub-classification you've determined may be similar to |
| nearest Patent and Trademark Depository Library | | | | your new product; |
| (PTDL). Rather than regional PTO offices, these are | | | | (6) Next you'll go to the patents section of the |
| actual libraries - public, university or state-run - that | | | | Gazette and explore the summary of those patents |
| have applied for, and been granted PTDL status. | | | | shown in the subclass that you think are similar to |
| Since its 22-library inception in 1871 the PTDL system | | | | yours; |
| has grown to more than 80 facilities. | | | | (7) Your last step is to look at the details of those |
| The informational details you'll be able to find on each | | | | you think may be relevant. This is done through a |
| patent, whether design, utility, plant or reissue | | | | perusal of the Complete Patent Document. |