So you think you have a great invention… MPLA 2005 Jackie Shane, Patent and Trademark Librarian, University of New Mexico So You Think You Have a Great Invention

Intellectual Property Patents Trademarks Copyright Trade Secrets

Three Requirements 1. Unique 2. Non-obvious 3. Useful

Prices Consider the costs Utility versus Design Application fees  Online/Print Maintenance Legal fees?

Types of patents Utility chemistry Design Plant

U.S. Patent Search File 87% Utility (mechanical, electrical, chemical) 5% Design 6% PGPubs (published applications) * Source: USPTO Web site.

University New Mexico Patents and Trademarks at the Centennial Science & Engineering Library

Methodology? Yup.

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Patent Searching The Seven Step Strategy is a basic guide to conducting a preliminary patent search of U.S. patents and published applications in order to locate relevant prior art related to a new invention. Called a novelty or patentability search. Uses classification numbers rather than words.

Why Search To assure uniqueness Prior art Money

What is a complete search? US Patent Database Published applications (PGPubs, 2001) Foreign patents Sci-tech literature

U.S. Patent Search File 1790 to present. 7.5 million patent documents. The U.S. patent search file has been called the largest collection of organized technical information in the world.

Why not search keywords? Pencil Coating implement with material supply in an expandable sheath.

Seven Step Strategy (2004) 1. Determine Initial Classification Determine the initial classifications using keywords found in the Index to the USPC, scanning class titles and descriptions or a keyword search. 2. Manual of Classification (MoC) Locate initial classifications in the MoC. Scan the entire class schedule, paying attention to the dot indent. Revise search strategy as needed. 3. Classification Definitions Read the definitions to establish the scope of the subclasses relevant to the search. The definitions include important search notes. 4. Browse Patent Titles and Abstracts Check if you are on the right path. Retrieve and browse through titles of patents and published applications in the given classifications. If necessary, go back to Step 2 and redirect the search. 5. Retrieve Subclass Listing Once you’ve identified the relevant subclasses, retrieve and review all patent documents for every classification to be searched. 6. Review Full-text Patent Documents Review the complete text and drawings of closely related patent documents. 7. Cited References and Previously Published Applications Check references and previously published applications cited in closely related patent documents.

Step 1 Turn an idea into a class/subclass. Tools Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) Manual of Classification - Class Subject List Patent Databases

Five Questions What is the purpose of my invention? Is it a design or utility function? What is it made of? How is it used? Is it a process or a product? What are some common and technical terms that describe the nature of the invention? STEP 1 – Five Questions

A Better Mousetrap Ramp Opening Container Rotating dowel Axle Cylinder Pipe Platform Rod Bobbin Spindle Bin Box Bucket Pail Receptacle Access way Doorway Entrance Entryway Portal Ladder/steps Inclined plane Mousetrap, mouse trap, rodent, vermin, pest, mammal, trap, trapping, capturing, etc. STEP 1 – A Sketch or Model Can Help

How It Works STEP 1 – Consider How the Invention Works

Locate Initial Classification Look up keywords in the Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) Mouse Trap, Rat Trap, Rodent Trap Mousetrap Trap Trapping STEP 1 – Locate Keywords

Index to the USPC Intended means of entry into the classification system. Alphabetic list of terms referring to specific classes and subclasses. Includes trademarks such as VELCRO STEP 1 – Index to the USPC

FirstGov search is not recommended for inexperienced searchers. To see why, try searching “mouse trap.” STEP 1 – Index to the USPC Index to the USPC.

Go to “M” to look up first keywords, “mouse trap” and “mousetrap.” STEP 1 – Index to the USPC

Index Term “Mouse Trap” Mounting Tires on wheels Mouse Computer input and control devices /156+ Guard Piano pedal openings /233 Multicellular living organisms Traps /58+ Mouth Bag holders /99+ Mounting Tires on wheels Mouse Computer input and control devices /156+ Guard Piano pedal openings /233 Multicellular living organisms Traps /58+ Mouth Bag holders /99+ Initial classification. STEP 1 – Index to the USPC

Other Keywords Don’t forget to check other keywords, for example “rat,” rodent,” “trap” and “trapping,” in order to locate additional classifications. STEP 1 – Index to the USPC

Class number and title list. STEP 1 – Browse Class Titles and Descriptions

Use your browser’s Find function to search the list of class titles. Consider synonyms, e.g. “vehicles” for autos or trucks or cars.

STEP 1 – Browse Class Titles and Descriptions Class 43 – Fishing, Trapping, and Vermin Destroying

Keyword Search If scanning class titles doesn’t work, try a simple keyword search in a patent database. Search title and abstract first, then try full-text. STEP 1 – Search Keywords in Patent Database

A word about “words” Truncation is $. Consider foreign spellings; synonyms. Quick search has limitations Cannot use boolean within search boxes Truncation won’t work with phrases  (Refer to my cheat sheet)

STEP 1 – Search Keywords in Patent Database Example: abst/trap and abst/(rodent or mouse) and abst/rotat$ Example: abst/trap and abst/(rodent or mouse) and abst/rotat$

STEP 1 – Browse Titles and Abstracts Possible match? “Rotating cylinder rodent trap.”

STEP 1 – “Rotating Cylinder Rodent Trap” Note current U.S. Class. The Field of Search shows additional classes searched by the patent examiner.

Step 3 Definitions Does the definition match. Look for “see” references.

STEP 3 – Classification Definitions “See” references

Why Class 232/60? Proximate function: “similar processes or structures that achieve similar results are considered to have the same fundamental utility.” * Source: Examiner Handbook on the Use of the USPC, Rev. May 2003, USPTO Web site. STEP 3 – “See” References

STEP 3 – Design Classification Definitions Weigh design versus utility classes

STEP 4 – Initial Search – Retrieve Patents 64. Self and ever set 65.. Non-return entrance Victim-opened Victim-closed 68.. Sinking compartment 69.. Tiltable platform Trigger-released 71.. Rotatable platform Trigger-released 73. Self-reset 74.. Rotating door or platform 64. Self and ever set 65.. Non-return entrance Victim-opened Victim-closed 68.. Sinking compartment 69.. Tiltable platform Trigger-released 71.. Rotatable platform Trigger-released 73. Self-reset 74.. Rotating door or platform P P P P P P P P P P P Click on “P” icon to retrieve all patents in the given subclass.

STEP 4 – Initial Search – Scan Hit List “Rotating cylinder rodent trap.”

STEP 4 – Browse Drawings and Abstracts The Field of Search shows additional classes searched by the patent examiner.

Step 5 Retrieve the entire subclass listing of all patent documents back to 1790 in the given classifications.

Step 6 Read the relevant patent documents. If necessary, go back to Step 1 and rethink your strategy.

STEP 6 – Study Drawings and Specifications  My mousetrap.

Step 7 Check cited references.

STEP 7 – Check Cited References – Citation Linking References provided by the applicant and patent examiner. Forward citation search links patents that cite the displayed patent. Additional classifications to search?