Patent Search? Here is the Definitive Guide to do it Online

Earlier searching for patents was nearly impossible. Doing a Patent Search required a lot of research. One needed to go through various weekly gazette which were published by the Patent Office in India. It failed to provide a comprehensive data on the existing Patents. But now we have InPASS for searching patents in India.

Here in this article, we will look into the Patent Search, its importance, InPASS, procedure of online search and much more.

Patents

A patent is an exclusive right which is conferred on a person for using and selling the invention for a certain time period. Patent helps the inventor to protect the invention from patent infringement.  The Patent and Trademark Office keeps a check on the patent availability against the existing patents. Your patent will be rejected if there is a similar existing patent. Therefore you can research about an existing patent using InPASS online for lowering your chance for rejection. A patent search has to be conducted under section 132 of the Patents Act, 1970.

Patent Search

Searching for patents online have become easier thanks to InPASS (Indian Patent Advanced Search System). This portal can be used for retrieving information about granted as well as pending applications. Patent Search helps in saving a lot of time and money. Moreover, it helps in determining whether the invention is unique and true. It further checks whether the inventor can use the invention commercially without infringing other’s rights.

Patent Registration

It is pertinent to register your invention for the protection of your intellectual property rights. Patent registration provides a legal identity to your invention as well as the protection of your invention. However, this does not guarantee a lifetime protection. A patent registration is only valid for 20 years after which they fall under the public domain.

In India, before patent registration, there has to be a search and analysis of patent.  Therefore, many organisations help conduct patent searches for determining the relevancy of their inventions. It is one of the most essential steps of patent registration.

Importance of Patent Search

• It is advisable for checking the availability of the invention through InPASS.
• One should always hire professionals for this purpose. Furthermore we can protect the patent only by conducting a full-proof search.
• This search will help to find out similar inventions. Additionally, the search aids in forming a basic idea about the uniqueness and investments.
• It also helps the applicant to distinguish its invention from the other.
• It may be a time-taking process, but worth the investment as it ensures that your patent is protected.
• This whole process also helps to know about similar inventions.
• Saves money and time in case already registered by someone else.

Indian Patent Search System

The Indian Patent Advances Search System (InPASS) introduced in 2015. It allows a full-text search for the Patents in India. Before this, we had IPAIRS i.e., Indian Patent Information Retrieval System. But it did not assist in full-fledged research. InPASS allows people to conduct an in-depth search. The database helps in advanced patent search.  

It is very indispensable for the applicant to conduct an online search before filing the patent application in India.  And InPASS makes the status of application and other details available to the users effortlessly. It is the best source for retrieving crucial information. This system facilitates research on granted and published applications separately.

The search interface is very similar to WIPO’s user friendly search. InPASS allows the user to filter out search results on the basis of assignee name, application date, etc.  

Online Process for Patent Search

Step 1: Online Patent Search through official website

Firstly, visit the Official website for searching Patent. InPASS fastens the whole process of search in India.

If we look at the layout of the online database, there are four tabs, namely, namely Patent Search, Patent E-register, Application Status, and Help. Select Patent Search.

Step 2: Selection of desired publication

Patent search can be conducted for two publications, granted patents or published application. After choosing the publication type, you have to click on the below categories-

Step 3: Keyword Search

Once the entire categories pop up, you can conduct a search by using the relevant keyword. After the search is complete, the results will show the application number along with the application date and other details like bibliographic data, specifications, and patent status.

Step 4: Applicant/ Inventor Name Search

InPASS allows people to conduct a patent search by entering the applicant or inventor’s name.

Step 5: Status of Patent Application

People can view the information regarding the patent in the abstract column. Under this, they will get all the details. They can also view the status of the patent application.

Step 6: Patent E-Register

When you see the official website of InPASS, there is a Patent E-register tab. You can enter the credentials of the patent application there. After this you can view the status of the application, renewal date, and other details under this.

Tips for conducting patent registration and search

For patent registration, you should ensure that the invention is new and no similar patents are registered. Additionally, you should make the invention very unique and inventive. This will in turn, help to conduct a successful trademark search. 

Conclusion

While InPASS may have certain issues, it is still the best search tool for Patents. Conducting a search for patents is eminent for the protection of the rights. It not only helps to protect the rights but also saves a lot of money. Since it is the most crucial step for registration, it is advisable to take help from an expert in Patent Registration as well as Patent Search.

For more information, contact our team of experts at LawyerINC.