Patent Research as a Tool for Inventing

We’re not going out on a limb by saying that your patent search will probably be discouraging.  The world of patents is much broader than what’s out on the market, so it’s easy to think your invention is new.

Let’s say you’ve gotten your patent search, and the results are not promising.  In fact, they’re downright devastating.  Perhaps there are several references that look like your invention.  This happens a lot.

The first question to ask is, if there are all these patents already there, why is there nothing on the market?  Once you’ve answered that question, you may find that the inventing has really started.  Look for things that the previous inventors may have missed.  Where do they fall short?  Once you start answering those questions, you’ll know where to take your own invention, and you’ll be on your way to a patent!

Keep in mind that the best solution is not just patentable.  The best solution is also marketable, manufacturable and safe.