DO YOUR OWN PATENT SEARCH
Just type in terms or any sort of words to best describe your invention. Take your time and be as thorough as you can be. Also, type in some of the key features which may distinguish your invention over the others. ***Note: Even though you may not find and exact match, you are still advised to consult with a licensed Patent Attorney to go over the results with you. When in doubt, get a professional consultation. Note: you might want to hit "Grid View" to make it easier to look at the drawings of the patents. It used to be called "Cover-View". Step 2: Download any available pdf's off Google Patents, if available.***
Not a Comprehensive Search.
You may want to elect for a more professional search, if you do not find anything.Make sure you also do a simple Google Search as well.
Just because there are no patents out there, doesn't necessarily mean you are entitled to a patent.Be Thorough
Use technical and Industrial Terms as well.-
TRADEMARK SEARCHES
You can also do your own Trademark Search by watching this video.
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PATENT LAW
Watch this free online video about Patent Law.
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ONLINE VIDEOS
Check out our online videos that can help save you money.
Type in your terms as you did with Google/Patents.
Set the Years to (1790-Present)
Start with the Title.
Then use abstract.
Proceed to the claims.
Use this process for BOTH issued patents as well as the published patent applications. (Note: You may have to type in a captcha if you download several PDF's)
You may also want to hit the "Images" tab so you can see the drawings. You might want to try to screen-shot the drawings and print them out
