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Patent Search

By

Nitin Nair

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Patent Search

Performed to uncover related prior arts/references

Criteria?

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Search Databases

Free databases

USPTO, Espacenet, Google Patents, InPass

Paid databases

Delphion, Micropatent, Thomson Scientific, Questel

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Search methodologies

Keyword Searches

Classification based searches

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Keyword Searches

Detailed as possible

Use as many synonyms/variations in terminology as possible

Boolean operators

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Keyword Searches - Example

A flexible hollow cylindrical length of plastic, where both ends of the cylinder are open. The diameter of the cylinder may be very small, as compared to the height of the cylinder. The plastic may be of a single colour or may have a design on the outer surface.

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Keyword Searches - Example

Possible keywords: Cylinder, hollow, flexible, tube

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Keyword Searches - Example

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Keyword Searches - Example

Possible keywords: plane, aircraft, airplane, aero plane, flying machine, flying vehicle, vehicle capable of flight, plane with three engines, tail mounted engine

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Drawbacks

Inconsistent terminologies

Non-English patent documents/translations

Keyword Searches

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Classification based searches

Patents are classified into various classes

Search is performed within classes

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Types of classifications

IPC

ECLA

USPTO Classification

Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)

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Classification based searches

USPTO 7 step strategyDiscover keywordsFind potential classes using classification indexVerify classes using classification scheduleVerify scope use class definitionsSearch for patents in the identified classesRetrieve relevant patentsCheck other sources

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Classification based searches

USPTO 7 step strategyDiscover keywordsFind potential classes from relevant patents

identified using the keywordsVerify classes using classification scheduleVerify scope using class definitionsSearch for patents in the identified classesRetrieve relevant patentsCheck other sources

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Google Patents - Search

http://patents.google.com

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USPTO search

http://uspto.gov

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Tips

Citations

Searched classes

Inventors

Assignee

Family members

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Types of searches

Patentability Analysis

Freedom to Operate Analysis

Landscape Analysis

Infringement Analysis

Invalidity Search

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Patentability Analysis

To understand the prior arts that may affect the chance of obtaining a patent for an invention and assist in preparing the draft

Patentability criteria?

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Landscape Analysis

To understand the technology and areas of research

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Infringement Analysis

To check if a product infringes on a patent

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FTO Analysis

To check if a product/process may be practiced in a jurisdiction

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Invalidity Analysis

To search for at least one prior art which will invalidate a patent

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Thank you

Nitin Nairnitin@bananaip.com