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How to Conduct a Utility Patent Search?

A utility patent search is the process of researching prior art to determine the patentability of an invention. It helps in assessing the availability of prior art and determining whether an invention can be patented or not. 

The search also gives insight into the potential market for a product or process and the associated cost of obtaining patent protection. A utility patent search should be conducted before filing a patent application to avoid wasting time and money on an invention that can’t be patented. You can hire Thoughts to Paper for professional utility patent search services.

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Steps to Conduct a Utility Patent Search

1. Identify the Invention

The first step in conducting a utility patent search is to clearly define the invention. It is important to identify the exact components of the invention and the ways in which they work together. 

2. Gather Relevant Information

The next step is to gather relevant information about the invention. This includes the inventor’s name, the date of the invention, and the names of any related patents. This information can be found in patent databases, such as the Patent and Trademark Office’s website.

3. Conduct the Search

Once the relevant information has been gathered, it is time to conduct the search. This can be done using online patent databases, such as the PTO’s website. It is important to use keywords that are related to the invention when conducting the search. 

4. Analyze the Results

Once the search is complete, the results need to be analyzed. This includes examining the prior art to determine if the invention is novel and non-obvious. If the invention is novel and non-obvious, then it can be patented. If not, then further research needs to be conducted to determine if the invention can be patented.