Understanding Patent Searches and Patent Search Software

A patent search shows whether or not you should get a patent on your invention. If you discover that a similar invention has already been patented, you can shelve your plan and explore another path. Perhaps you can introduce different useful features to your product so that it qualifies as unique and therefore patentable.

In any case, a professional patent searcher can do the task for you, but note that this usually comes at a high cost. On the other hand, there are several tools available that can help you run a search yourself.

Patent search tools help you do a patent search more effectively and can even offer insights about what your competitors are developing. This patent search software is made specifically for searching not only current patents but also applications and inventions which are yet unpatented at the moment.

Free vs. Paid

Patent search tools can be either free or paid. 

You can start using the free ones, but you won’t be able to get help when you get stuck or encounter any problems with your search. A lot of these free tools are also not up-to-date, so that diminishes the accuracy of your results as well. If accuracy is not something you can compromise on, it’s worth investing in paid software.

Google Patent Search

The best thing about using Google to search for patents is that your results will come very fast. However, you may find that search features are not equally advanced as the paid tools come with. Another drawback is that you may miss certain patents with Google - newer ones specifically. But you can still depend on for getting information that goes further back in time.

Tips for Doing Patent Searches

> Don’t stop at simple keyword searches. Use the advanced options provided as well as the specification field. 

> Start your search with more general terms, then narrow down as you move along.

> Play with various keywords. There can be so many patent descriptions of similar inventions.

> Have patience is sorting through search results. Some will be relevant and others not. 

> Keep track of what you find. Have a file and mark those things that are of interest.

> If you must hire a professional patent searcher, do it after you’ve done your preliminary search. This will reduce the time they have to work and their fees as well. 

Patent searching is not a very difficult task, but it does require time, especially if you have no experience. Using the right software helps you do the task with greater efficiency. Check out LexisNexis IP  to get the best software.

Get more info at https://www.dictionary.com/browse/patent