Search Prior Art
Tip:
If prior art anticipates your invention, try to redesign your invention so it meets the novelty requirement.
What is prior art?
Prior art is the body of preexisting technology patented, published or publicly used anywhere in the world.
The amount of prior art can be extensive, especially if the technology area is mature, for example sand casting.
Why search?
- The USPTO examiners will search prior art and compare it with your invention to ensure that it is new and non-obvious. Your application will be rejected if the prior art is found by the examiner.
- You can learn a lot about your technical field by reading prior art.
- You can save money by reducing the patent practitioner's search time.
Where do you search?
Google's Searchable Patent Database
Google Scholar
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
European Patent Office (EPO)
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - Patent Applications Only
Japanese Patent Office (JPO), for Japanese speakers