Patent research can be a challenging job. There is a lot to know before you submit your application to the patent office. Whether you’re the inventor or working on behalf of a client, obtaining a patent contains many steps, submissions, and sometimes even interviews. To be successful, utilize all the information you can find. A great place to start is this portal, created to help you find relevant information and updates pertaining to patent research.

To begin your patent application and research, consider using the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s Seven Step Strategy. First, brainstorm terms related to what the invention is and what it does. Next, find relevant patents. Have similar patents been filed? Is yours different enough? Should you mention these patents in your filing? Answer all these questions by researching your keywords and terms. Based on the results of your research and terms, determine your CPC Classification Definition on the USPTO website. By utilizing your keywords, you will be auto-classified. Determine whether that classification is relevant to your patent application. Next, review the relevant patents to your classification to understand your segment of patent processing and connect the requirements with how they are utilized in approved patents. These relevant patents will be found under PatFT, or Patent Full-Text and Image. Review each document to understand the parts of the process. Because they are similar to your patent in terms of CPC Classification, they likely had a similar patent journey. Once you have understood each of the most relevant documents, revisit your CPC Classification and retrieve relevant applications. These will be found under AppFT, or Application Full-Text and Image. Now that you have reviewed each relevant patent, reviewing those in process or those which are rejected will help you further understand your classification niche. Finally, broaden your search. Look at similar classifications for patents and applications. Review their language and drawings. By utilizing these steps, you will ensure you understand the language, requirements, and pieces of an application necessary to give your patent its highest opportunity for success. 

To learn more, access this online library of patent research information and patent news. Ensure you’re well prepared and well informed on all the biggest industry updates.