Once you decide that your invention is patentable, you will need to do a preliminary patent search. The best place to begin this is at your closest Patent and Trademark Depository Library. An average search takes about 13 hours, so allow yourself plenty of time. You don't have to complete the search all at once.

The 7-Step Strategy shown below is put forth by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. It is a simplified instruction manual for doing a search at a Patent and Trademark Depository Library. The search approach is based on U.S. patent classifications instead of keywords. Patents granted prior to 1976 are not searchable by keywords, only by classification or patent number. Newer patents can be difficult to find given that the language of patents can be strange. For example, a cuckoo clock is called a "horological instrument with musical simulated avian." If you can figure out what classification and sub-classification numbers your invention falls under, you can search by those numbers with greater success. Below are the 7 steps. To watch a 10 minute tutorial put together by Auburn Universities Libraries, Auburn, AL, please click here.

1. Brainstorm keywords related to the purpose, use, and composition of the invention.
2. Look up the words in the Index to the U.S Patent Classification to find potential classes and subclasses.
3. Verify the relevancy of the class/subclasses by using the Classification Schedule in the Manual of Classification.
4. Read the Classification Definitions to verify the scope of the subclasses and note "see also" references.
5. Search the Issued Patents and Published Applications databases by "Current US Classification" and access full-text patents and published applications.
6. Review the claims, specification, and drawings of documents retrieved for relevancy.
7. Check all references and note to "U.S. Cl." and "Field of Search" areas for additional classes and subclasses to search.

If you decide that you want patent protection that reaches farther than the U.S., you will need to search at least the European and Japanese patent systems. Some searching can be done at your local Patent and Trademark Depository Library. Once your preliminary search is done, you may want to retain the services of an attorney who practices intellectual property law. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office maintains a Roster of Patent Attorneys and Agents Registered to Practice Before the PTO. Your preliminary search should cut costs. WARNING: there are many unscrupulous folks out there who would love to take your money. Don't trust your invention to just anyone. Find out more here: Beware of Invention Promotion Scams!