Before filing a provisional patent application, it’s essential to conduct a patent lookup. This will guarantee there isn’t an existing patent for your product or idea.
Saving both time and money, this method can save you both. Furthermore, it guarantees your invention is truly new and does not infringe upon anyone else’s patent rights.
1. Google Patents
Google Patents provides access to global patent data, making it invaluable for research, public policy making, and encouraging scientific innovation. It can also assist companies with managing investments in intellectual property.
Its user-friendly interface offers users a wealth of options for filtering patent searches. They can search for an individual inventor or company, and narrow the results by date, assignee, language, and filing status to get exactly what they’re after.
This search engine indexes documents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, European Patent Office, and World Intellectual Property Organization databases. It includes all granted patents and published patent applications from each of these databases.
These documents encompass more than 8 million inventions across all countries and regions. Furthermore, all documents are free to access and can be searched in 14 different languages.
Google Patents makes searching easier by combining data from the USPTO, EPO, and WIPO into one database. This makes the service more scalable and allows for quicker searches.
Searchers now have an easier time discovering prior art with this feature, which allows users to explore the full text of existing patents as well as previous citations. The resulting pages link directly to other non-patent literature sources like books and journal articles.
Furthermore, users have the option to search based on Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), providing simpler and more precise queries.
Google Patent Database offers access to the full archive of granted patents and patent applications from the United States Patent & Trademark Office, European Patent Office, and World Intellectual Property Organization. These documents encompass all patents issued between 1790-1978 as well as published patent applications.
This database is unique and cannot be obtained elsewhere. It’s free of charge to researchers, academics, and businesses alike – making it a perfect resource.
This database is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, offering access to data about some of the world’s most significant innovations. It can save users time by offering them a centralized location for patent information.
2. Patentscope
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers Patentscope, a free patent search platform. It provides full-text searches for all international patent applications filed under the PCT worldwide and can be accessed in nine languages including Chinese and Arabic. Furthermore, the WIPO website also features mobile search functionality which enables users to browse its database on their phones.
Patentscope offers a video tutorial series to assist users with using the system. These videos cover different types of searches available on the platform, as well as how to utilize its various features.
* SIMPLE SEARCH: This straightforward search interface features eight fields for entering keywords and Boolean expressions. Plus, a plus button lets users select which language and collection they are most interested in.
These fields can be searched for any information within a patent document. Examples include: i) Front Page – The front page typically includes general descriptions, tiles of the invention, and names of inventors.
ii) Any Field – This field allows users to insert any field within a document.
iii) ID/Number: Here, one can enter either the document’s filing number or publication number.
iv) Names: This field allows one to input names for applicants, inventors, or companies.
One useful interface in the PATENTSCOPE database is Field Combination Search. This feature enables users to combine several pre-set search fields for more precise outcomes in specific areas of Patentscope’s database.
This search interface enables the user to enter an infinite number of words, which can be combined with various operators such as Boolean expressions, proximity, and range operators. Furthermore, wildcards allow them to find variations of terms based on a standard stem or root.
Patentscope’s most impressive feature is Cross-Lingual Information Retrieval (CLIR). This capability enables users to search for term/phrase variants in other languages.
3. United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is a government agency that grants patents for inventions and registers trademarks. Established by Congress in 1802, this agency continues to serve the nation today.
The USPTO represents inventors and businesses with respect to their inventions, corporate products, and service identifications, as well as providing advice on all matters involving intellectual property. Furthermore, it disseminates patent and trademark information that fosters an understanding of intellectual property protection.
A patent is an exclusive right granted to an individual or entity who invents, discovers, or develops a novel and useful process, machine, or manufacture. This right can be renewed annually and ensures the invention’s exclusivity from being used without permission.
To obtain a patent, an application must be filed with the USPTO. It then undergoes examination by several Technology Centers (TCs), each having jurisdiction over one assigned field of technology. Each TC is led by group directors and staffed with examiners and support staff members.
Once an application is filed, the Examining TC will review it and decide whether to grant or deny the patent. If they don’t grant it, applicants have two options: appeal the decision or ask the Director of USPTO for review.
Though the patent and trademark process can be complex, there are helpful resources to assist you. For instance, the USPTO has created a website called “Patent Basics,” which provides essential information regarding the patent life cycle.
The USPTO also provides an online search tool that enables you to browse all patents and published applications simultaneously. This search utilizes the patents end-to-end (PE2E) system, enabling a full-text search on any invention or publication.
The USPTO also maintains a network of patent and trademark resource centers nationwide. These centers provide access to patent information, such as databases, manuals, and other materials. Typically located in public, state, and academic libraries, these trained specialists can answer your queries about the patent and trademark processes.
4. UpCounsel
UpCounsel is an online legal marketplace that assists you in finding a lawyer to solve your business’s legal problems. They accept only the top 5 percent of lawyers to their site, specializing in various areas such as intellectual property (patents and trademarks), tax law, and employment law.
The website is free to use and allows users to post their legal needs, review potential lawyers, and hire one that meets their criteria. Their dashboard makes it simple to return to your favorite lawyers as your needs evolve over time.
Searching for a lawyer doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Law.com offers attorney-reviewed forms, sample documents, and articles to get you started quickly. Plus, you can request a free consultation before hiring any attorney to see if their style and approach appeal to you.
They offer an instant call scheduling feature that enables you to book a time with a lawyer within minutes, rather than hours or days. This can be especially convenient if you’re a busy business owner with little free time for research and due diligence before hiring them.
In addition to its instant call scheduling feature, UpCounsel also provides its users with a wealth of free resources such as legal forms and sample documents to articles on various topics. This includes a patent worksheet that will teach you the fundamentals of protecting your invention through a provisional patent application.
The company has achieved great success with its new business model, turning into a recurring revenue business that pays its lawyers upfront and saves clients up to 70% on legal fees. Already, users have saved over $12 million in legal expenses, with plans to launch a suite of products for startups and attorneys by 2022.
Enduring Ventures, which acquired UpCounsel in 2017, has appointed new leadership and is operating the business under a refreshed strategy. This team includes CEO KJ Erickson and Chief Revenue Officer Paul Drobot – previously leading sales at ALSP Atrium – who were both previously with Enduring Ventures.
Conclusion
Looking up provisional patent applications can provide valuable insights into the world of innovative ideas and emerging technologies. By understanding the significance of these applications and utilizing patent databases effectively, you can gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape in your area of interest. Besides the ability to look up provisional patent applications is a powerful tool for inventors, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. By harnessing the information and insights provided by these applications, you can fuel your own creative endeavors, make informed decisions, and contribute to the ever-growing landscape of innovation.
