For inventors looking to protect their new ideas, a patent search is a necessary first step to ensure their invention is unique. This involves scouring existing patents and published materials to determine if similar inventions exist. Many inventors grapple with the decision of whether to handle this process on their own or to seek professional help, such as the services provided by InventHelp. Here’s a look at how inventors can go about performing a patent search and where InventHelp fits into this picture.
What is a Patent Search?
A patent search involves checking existing patents, patent applications, and other forms of prior art to ensure that an invention hasn’t been disclosed before. It’s a critical process used to assess the novelty of an invention – a primary requirement for patentability.
The Steps for Conducting a Patent Search
Inventors can take several steps to conduct a patent search themselves:
- Define the Invention: Clearly describe the function, operation, and unique attributes of your invention.
- Understand Classification Systems: Familiarize yourself with the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system and identify where your invention fits.
- Search Through Patent Databases: Use databases like the USPTO, EPO, Google Patents, and WIPO to search for prior art with relevant keywords and classifications.
- Review and Analyze: Carefully examine similar patents, focusing on the claims, which define the patent’s scope of protection. Abstracts and drawings also provide valuable context.
The Role of InventHelp in the Patent Search Process
What Is InventHelp? InventHelp is a company that offers services to inventors at every step of the invention process, from idea to product launch. They understand that while inventors can perform patent searches on their own, it can be a daunting task. Here’s how InventHelp can assist:
- Expert Guidance: InventHelp can provide guidance on how to conduct an effective patent search or can conduct the search on behalf of the inventor, adding a layer of professional expertise to the process.
- Time Efficiency: Using InventHelp’s services can save inventors significant time, allowing them to focus on developing their invention while professionals handle the complexities of the search.
- Comprehensive Research: InventHelp has access to resources and databases that might not be readily available to individual inventors, ensuring the search is as thorough as possible.
- Avoiding Pitfalls: The seasoned experience offered by InventHelp can help in navigating the often complex legal landscape of patents, reducing the risk of overlooking vital prior art or misinterpreting existing patents’ scope that could invalidate the potential patent.
Is InventHelp an Established Provider? InventHelp is a well-established provider of patent services, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. The company has helped thousands of inventors secure their intellectual property rights and has been recognized by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as one of its top 10 patent firms.
Weighing the Options
Choosing to conduct a patent search on your own is cost-effective and provides an immediate understanding of your invention’s landscape, but it’s a complex and potentially overwhelming task. Here’s where InventHelp’s role can be pivotal:
If you’re in a highly saturated market or your invention is complex, the expert knowledge from InventHelp’s network can be invaluable.
If commercialization is the end goal and the stakes are high, Investing in professional services can ensure a more airtight search, giving better peace of mind and potentially saving money in the long run.
If the DIY search becomes too overwhelming or too time-consuming, reaching out to InventHelp is a practical next step.
Conclusion
While inventors can undertake patent searching on their own, partnering with a company like InventHelp can greatly simplify the process. InventHelp offers the expertise and resources to conduct thorough patent searches, helping inventors navigate the complexity of patents with greater confidence and efficiency. Weighing the pros and cons of DIY versus professional assistance is crucial. InventHelp provides a reliable option for those looking to safeguard their inventions with less stress and more support.