How to do a Patent Search?

Patent searches come in a variety of different formats, but all them consist basically of a search of the databases of published patent documents, i.e. patent applications or granted patents.  It includes the use of tailored patent terminology, cross referencing and patent classification searching.

For more Info, Request a Free Info Pack. It includes information on the patent process,filing a patent application and approaching the UK patent office (IPO).

8 Reasons why you should commission a worldwide patent search

8 reasons why it is important to do a worldwide patent search before applying for a patent

1-      To determine whether you can get a patent. Just because you have never seen the idea before does not mean it has not been patented.

2-      File a stronger patent application. The idea may be an improvement on existing prior art and could still be patentable. The search would find similar patents and the patent  application could be drafted carefully to avoid infringing existing prior art and focus on originality

3-      A complete report will show which areas of the idea are original

4-      A professional patent search can save the inventor a lot of time and money if a match is found and a patent is unlikely to be obtained. It is better to establish this as soon as possible to minimise time and money spent on an idea that is not original enough.

5-      Potential investors or representatives of industry may well wish to see a professional patent search to establish the potential of an idea. The information contained in a patent search increases the chances of a profitable return

6-      Where the invention appears to be knew through the patent search, the results will help the wording of the patent application in ensuring it is broad enough to cover scope of the invention novelty

7-      To obtain commercial information of companies who may wish to license the idea from you. If similar patent document are found, but your idea is still shown to be novel, then you may be able to find a buyer for your idea among the owners of existing patents for similar products

8-      It allows you to see what other inventors have already thought of.

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How to Understand your Patent Search Results ?

Innovate can help you to answer some of the questions you may have such as:

What is the significance of the number of patents found? Do they affect your idea directly?

How are some of the patents similar? Are all these patents granted?

What do I do if there is a patent very similar to my idea? This does not necessarily mean an end to your project , there might be various avenues to explore.

What do I need for my patent to be granted?

I want to patent my idea what do I do now?

Request a free patent info pack on how to patent an idea. It includes information on the patent process,filing a patent application and approaching the UK patent office (IPO). To receive a pack, fill in your details on our Free Patenting Info Pack page. Please feel free to call us if the pack does not answer all your patenting questions.

What is in the Free Patent Info Pack?

It contains:

  • a Booklet 'Inventing for Profit' - Vital Information covering: How to patent an idea, taking idea to market, design and prototype info;
  • press articles about Innovate Design;
  • an idea submission form;
  • a confidentiality agreement and a freepost envelope.

Fill in the submission form and the confidentiality agreement and send it back to us in the Freepost envelope.

How do I know you aren't going to steal my idea?

We send you two copies of a signed Confidentiality Agreement (in your free info pack) before you disclose the idea to us. This is a legally binding agreement that prevents us from disclosing the idea to any third party. Each party retains one copy of the agreement signed by both parties. We also adhere to the regulations of the BSI standards governing our industry: BS8538:2011 Specification for the provision of services relating to the commercialisation of intellectual property rights.

Can I patent a business idea?

No. You cannot patent a business idea unless it involves a new product idea. You also cannot patent a scientific or mathematical discovery, theory or method; a way of playing a game; a book, drama, piece of music or artistic work.

Can I patent software?

Not in the UK. It is not possible to patent software unless there is a product involved. The exception to the rule is America, where software can be patented – for more information on this seek the advice of a patent attorney. Software is usually covered by Copyright which is an automatic right assigned to any written or recorded work.

Can I patent a website idea?

No. The patent system exists to protect inventions or products and not websites.