Before coming to the NCSU Libraries for a patent search...
There are few things you need to know before you come to
the NCSU Libraries to do a patent search...
Patent searching is complex and time consuming...
If you are an inventor, be aware that the patent searching
process takes a great deal of time and can be challenging
to learn. Many people assume that they can visit the nearest
Patent and Trademark Depository Library, sit down with
a librarian, and an hour later have an answer as to whether
or not their invention is patentable. The average patentability
search takes between 25-30 hours! You may need to make
multiple visits, or investigate
the possibility of searching from a computer closer to
your home...
You need to do some of the work up front to make your
time at the NCSU Libraries' worthwhile...
You should read background information about obtaining
patents and patent searching before you attempt to do
your patentability search. We suggest reading a book
like
Patent
it Yourself by David Pressman before
you begin, so that you will have know all the steps involved
in securing your patent. Additionally, your closest public
library might have this title or you can purchase it
from a bookstore.
You need basic computer literacy skills to navigate
the USPTO patent search databases...
In order to do a complete patentability search, you should
be able to use a personal computer, mouse and keyboard.
If you need assistance with this, you might wish to contact
your local public library and/or community center to inquire
about basic computing skills classes.
Be aware of what services the Patent and Trademark Depository
Library can offer you...
When you enter the D.H.
Hill Library, follow the signs upstairs to the reference
desk and tell the reference staff on duty that you are
here to do a patent search. We can show you how to use
the searching tools such as the Index and Manual to the
Classification System, and the USPTO databases. We are
happy to assist you with accessing our collection of patent
resources. However, you will probably spend hours independently
doing your specific search. The NCSU Libraries cannot
provide any kind of legal advice or answers to questions
such as "Is this the correct classification code
for my invention?", and "Do you think I have
done enough searching?", etc. These types of questions
will be referred to Patent
and Trademark Attorneys and Agents approved by the USPTO
in North Carolina (you may search for a USPTO-licensed attorney by zip code or other parameters). We also cannot search for you.
Be prepared for the complexity of this search, and that
you will have to do most of this on your own.
Additionally, keep in mind that we cannot advise you
as to the marketability or viability of your invention
in the market. We can, however, assist you with locating
our resources for business and marketing, which will help
you draw these conclusions.
Before you begin to search, think both broadly and narrowly
about your invention...
Patent searching often involves searching creatively.
For example, if you invent a new toilet handle, you might
want to search under toilets and toilet accessories, and
also search handles. Start brainstorming before you search-
what does my invention do? What are some of the areas
where I might wish to search? Think about both the functions
and the components of your invention.
Finally, before you visit, look over our practical information for Planning a Visit.
It includes things like our hours and information about parking.
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