View source for How to Check If Something Is Patented

= How to Check If Something Is Patented =

'''Worried someone might already own rights to an idea you're working on?''' Before you file your own patent—or worse, accidentally infringe—you should check if something similar is already patented.

== Step-by-Step: How to Check If Something Is Patented ==

1. **Use Google Patents**  
   Visit [https://patents.google.com](https://patents.google.com) and enter keywords, inventor names, company names, or known patent numbers.

2. **Search the USPTO Database**  
   Go to [https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/](https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/) for the most current US patent applications and grants.

3. **Use Classification Codes for Advanced Filtering**  
   Searching by [[CPC codes]] like [[Category:CPC_G06F17/30]] or [[Category:CPC_H04L63/0428]] can narrow results by technology.

4. **Look for Similar Claims**  
   Claims are the part of the patent that define its legal scope. Even if the invention looks similar, it may not be covered unless the claims overlap.

== Helpful Tips ==
* Don’t just look at titles—read abstracts and claims
* Try synonyms and alternative technical terms
* Use filters like date, inventor, assignee (company), and jurisdiction
* Consider hiring a [[Patent Search Firm]] or [[Patent Attorney]]

== International Search Tools ==
* **WIPO PATENTSCOPE** – [https://patentscope.wipo.int/](https://patentscope.wipo.int/)
* **Espacenet (Europe)** – [https://worldwide.espacenet.com/](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/)

== Related Articles ==
* [[How to Read a Patent]]
* [[How to Do a Prior Art Search]]
* [[Patent Search Tools Compared]]
* [[How to Patent an Idea]]

== CPC Notes ==
This topic is relevant to a wide range of classifications depending on the type of invention. General search tools may return patents from:
* [[Category:CPC_G06F17/30]] – Data processing, information retrieval
* [[Category:CPC_G06Q30/00]] – Commercial/business methods
* [[Category:CPC_H04L63/0428]] – App and system-level security

[[Category:Patent Search]]
[[Category:Patent Filing Basics]]
[[Category:CPC_G06F17/30]]
[[Category:CPC_H04L63/0428]]