Patents: How to Search Patents by Subject
How to Search Patents by Subject
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Write a brief but accurate description of the invention or technology. Avoid broad or generic terms such as "process" and "device". Drawing a sketch may help you identify important features. Your description should address the following questions.
Note the important keywords, synonyms and equivalent terms. |
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Search the keywords in a patent database. Limiting your search to keywords in the title and abstract will produce better results. | Video |
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Review the retrieved patents. Are any of them similar to your invention? Note the patent classifications assigned to these patents. If none of the patents relate to your invention, go back to Step 2 and try different keywords. | Video |
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Search the patent classifications you identified in Step 3. | Video |
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Review the retrieved patents. Refine your search. | Video |
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Check the cited references in the patents you retrieved. These can lead you to additional related patents. | Video |
Last Updated: 18 August 2008
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