Keep a journal of terms, patent numbers, U.S. Class numbers and International Class numbers searched. Patents are classified in the U.S. by 3 digit class and 1 to 3 digit subclass numbers to describe similar groupings of patents (example: a type of hand held palm pilot has a class and subclass of 345/169 ). A complete patent search includes: issued patents, published applications, patents before 1976, and international patents.

|Search Patents| |Patent Searching Tools| |Sample Issued Patent Search| |Sample Journal| |Help|

Search Issued Patents

• Go to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) "Search" page http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html .
• In "Issued Patents" click on "Quick Search."
• Enter keyword terms which describe the invention and its function, effect, end-product, structure, or use.
• Click on "Search."
• Check results number at top of page.
  • Add keyword to refine search if results number is large.
• Browse the list of patent titles.
• View full text of the patents similar to your idea, by clicking on patent number or title.
  • To view images download free AlternaTIFF software from PTO web site http://www.uspto.gov/patft/help/images.htm .
• When you find patents similar to your idea, search the class/subclass numbers found in the line labeled "Current US class." Patents within Class/Subclass number are all closely related.
  • Go to "Quick Search."
  • In Term 1: enter the Class/Subclass number.
  • In Field 1: select "Current US Classification."
  • Click on "Search."

Search "Published Applications"

• Go to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) "Search" page http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html .
• In "Patent Applications" click on "Quick Search."
• In "Term 1" enter Class/Subclass number.
• In "Field 1" select "Current US Classification."
• Click on "Search."

Search Patents before 1976

• Go to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) "Search" page http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html .
• In "Issued Patents" click on "Quick Search."
• In "Select years" select "1790 to 1975 [PN and CCL Only]."
• In "Term 1": enter Class/Subclass number.
• In Field 1: select "Current US Classification."
• Click on "Search."

Search International Patents

• Go to European Patent Office search web site: http://ep.espacenet.com .
• Select "Access esp@cenet."
• Select "Access esp@cenet via EPO."
• Click on "Advanced Search."
• Search by "International Patent Classification (IPC)". Use the International Class numbers recorded in your journal.

These tools allow you to view a wide range of other subclasses around the one you are searching. Definitions of the subclass are also available. Go to "Access Classification Info by Class/Subclass" http://www.uspto.gov/go/classification/ .

To view Class Schedule

• Enter a "USPC Classification" - (Class/Subclass number).
• Select "Class Schedule (HTML)."
• Click on "Submit."
• View patents in a subclass, click on red 'P' in far left hand column.
• View definition of a subclass, click on subclass number.

To view Class Definitions

• Enter a "USPC Classification" - (Class/Subclass number).
• Select Class Definition (HTML).
• Click on Submit.
• View patents of a definition, click on red 'P' in far left hand column.
• View subclass number schedule click on subclass number in left hand column.

Sample Issued Patent Search

http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html

Quick search

Search terms: "Term 1" palm
Search terms: "Term 2" pilot
Results at top of page: palm and pilot 1483 patents

Refine search: palm and pilot and hand

Review patent information: 6,894,661 -T - Hand-held device with foldable display screen .

Click on title

U.S. Class 345/1.1
Intern'l Class GO9G

Sample Journal

Date ------Terms----------------------Patent Number ------US Class----Intern'l Class

5/25/05 palm/pilot 6,894,661 345/1.1 GO9G

Help

For reference assistance with patents and trademarks or for a more in-depth search, make an appointment with the Patents and Trademarks Librarian. Contact:

Ben Hood, Patents and Trademarks Librarian (413)545-2765
bhood@library.umass.edu

Note: While the Library staff is happy to provide assistance with your search, we cannot perform searches or dispense legal advice. The University of Massachusetts Amherst and its employees provide an informational service with no express or implied warranty for results. UMass Amherst assumes no obligation or liability for damage arising out of the use, or inability to use, the information provided.