Seven Step Strategy
Quick Start
Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) staff are available to provide training on U.S. patent search processes and research tools including the Cassis DVD-ROM system, the PubWEST database, and the USPTO website .
Classification
- Brainstorm keywords related to the purpose, use and composition of the invention.
- Look up the words in the Index to the U.S. Patent Classification to find potential class/subclasses.
- Verify the relevancy of the class/subclasses by using the Classification Schedule in the Manual of Classification .
- Read the Classification Definitions to verify the scope of the subclasses and note "see also" references.
Access Full-Text
5. Search the Issued Patents and the Published Applications databases by "Current US Classification" and access full-text patents and published applications.
Review and References
- Review the claims, specifications and drawings of documents retrieved for relevancy.
- Check all references and note the "U.S. Cl." and "Field of Search" areas for additional class/subclasses to search.