How to Check for a Patent

• 1). Become familiar with the United States Patent and Trademark Office web page, http://www.uspto.gov/, and its instructions for "How to Search." This page has multiple resources on how to search the patent database. To start your search, choose "SEARCH patents now."
  
  
• 2). Start with a quick search of issued patents. Here you will narrow your search with two key terms. You can also choose to look for patents from 1976 till the present, or search the full database (1790 to present). Quick searches normally yield a high number of results, but if you only have a vague idea of the patent you are searching for, the quick search is a good way to begin your research. The important thing is to think of descriptive key terms that help identify the patent.
  
  
• 3). Use the advanced search tool once you have a better idea of how the patent database is designed and what you are looking for. The advanced search allows you to enter a query rather than just key terms. If you have a good idea of what patent you are looking for but don't know the patent number, the advanced search will help you narrow the results and save you time.
  
  
• 4). Once you have found the patent you are interested in, write down the seven-digit ID on the right side of the screen. This is the patent number. Some numbers may start with a letter or two for classification purposes. In the future you will be able to bypass the quick and advanced searches and go directly to this patent by entering the number in the "Patent Number Search."
  
  
• 5). Check for patents in the application process. You can do a quick, advanced, or patent number search under patent applications. It is important not to skip this step. Otherwise, you risk missing a patent that, although not yet issued, may be approved in the near future. If you find a patent application, write down its publication number (listed on the right side of the screen) to track its progress.