Engineering

Searching the patent literature is a a crucial step for any inventor, but it is challenging. Using online guides and the assistance of a knowledgable patent searcher can be helpful. For the most fulsome search and/or legal counsel, please consult a patent agent or patent/intellectual property attorney to ensure you understand the innovation landscape and filing procedures.

In an nutshell, it is an intellectual property right

• Types of Patents:
  • Utility
    • This covers processes, machines, manufacturing, material composition, chemical compositions etc
  • Plant
    • For new and distinctive plants that can be asexually reproduced (via grafting or cutting)
    • Cannot be a tuber propagated plant, nor can the plant be found in an uncultivated state
  • Design
    • surface ornamentation
      • a design added to an object (must be inseparable)
    • Patent only protects object's appearance
• An invention must be:
  • Novel
    • unknown by others (domestic)
    • described in a printed publication (international)
  • Useful
    • It must operate to perform a described and intended use; utility
  • Inventive
    • It must be distinct and different from anything used or described before
    • Cannot be obvious to someone who is skilled in the invention discipline

Options for searching:

1. If you already know the patent number, copy and paste that into the search box
2. Search using key terms
3. Inventor or Assignee

Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) - It is  the special operating agency of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to deliver intellectual property services.

European Patent Office - It is the patent office for Europe (over 44 countries)

Google Patents - global repository of full text patents

LENS.org - Project by Cambia and Queensland University of Technology to improve the efficiency, ease and transparency of the innovation landscape

United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - It is the federal granting agency for trademarks and patents

Guide to searching patents for other countries

Terminology

Assignee: The individual or company that holds rights to the patent. 

Claim: a description of the function, process and method being protected under the patent. 

Expiration Date: Typically 20 years after filing date but may differ depending on jurisdiction and patent type

Prior Art: All relevant information that is related to a patent