How do I conduct a patent search?

A patent search is an important step in the patent process and helps you determine if there are existing patents related to your invention. In California, you can search for patents through the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website. The first step is to create an account with the USPTO to access their database. Once you’re signed in, you can begin searching. The USPTO website provides several different ways to search, including text, classification codes, and legal status. When using text search, the more specific keywords you use the better. Search terms can include a combination of title, inventor name, patent number, issue date, and more. After you run the search, it will pull up all of the patents related to your search terms. If you’re not sure what keywords to use, a classification code search may be helpful. The USPTO provides an international classification system that assigns a code to each category of invention. By providing a search code, you can narrow down your list of results to a specific technology. The USPTO database also allows you to search for legal status. This allows you to locate active and expired patents, depending on the status you select. By following these steps, you will be able to find existing patents related to your invention. Once you’ve completed your patent search, you can move forward with the patent application process.

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How do I conduct a patent search?

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