Steps to Conduct a Design Patent Search

Design patent search is an important step for companies and individuals who wish to protect their original designs or inventions from being copied or infringed upon. A design patent can be used to protect the visual features of an object, such as a shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation. 

It is important to understand the process of conducting a design patent search before applying for a design patent to make sure that the proposed design is unique and isn’t already patented. You can apply provisional design patent from Thoughts to Paper.

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Understand the Design Patent

Before conducting a design patent search, it is important to understand the basic principles of a design patent. A design patent grants the owner the exclusive right to make, use, and sell a design, provided that it is novel and non-obvious. It does not provide protection for the function of the invention, only the visual aspects. In order to apply for a design patent, the proposed design must be original and not already patented.

Identify the Design Elements

Once the basics of a design patent are understood, the next step is to identify the design elements of the proposed invention. This includes the shape, pattern, color, texture, or any other visual features that make the design unique. It is important to document these features in detail so they can be used in the search process.

Gather Relevant Information

The next step is to gather any relevant information or documents that can be used in the design patent search. This may include drawings, sketches, photos, or any other documents that show the visual elements of the proposed design. It is also important to compile a list of any similar designs that may already be patented.