Search existing inventions
How to Search Prior Art When You Do Not Know Patent Terminology
Turn an invention into functional search terms, find useful classifications and keep a reproducible search log.
4 min readSearch existing inventions
Practical guides for independent inventors. Start with the question closest to your next decision.
Search existing inventions
Can You Use an Expired Patent? What to Check Before Building
Check the exact patent, related rights, territory and product design before relying on an expiration label.
4 min read
Search existing inventions
How to Read Patent Claims for a First Invention Comparison
Separate claims from drawings and abstracts, map limitations and identify questions for a patent professional.
4 min read
Search existing inventions
How to Search Manuals, Catalogs and Other Non-Patent Prior Art
Look beyond patent databases and preserve publication evidence without overstating legal conclusions.
4 min read
Search existing inventions
Patentability Search vs. Freedom to Operate: Which Question Are You Asking?
Separate whether an invention may be patentable from whether a planned product may infringe others’ rights.
4 min readPrepared by Inventor Underground. Examples are illustrative unless a source says otherwise. How these guides are prepared · Send a correction