How to check if a patent already exists?

randomshenans · 1 Jul 2013 at 13:26

To the product designers, inventors, people who have done this...

I have an idea for a product that ideally I'd like to try and "cover" in some way with a patent, and I've searched high and low to see if I can find any instances of it existing, and so far can't (as a product) but this is tough going looking for products, that could contain my "technology".

Is there any way of searching for a patent? Or anything like that?

Second to that; I have an idea, I've got very rough sketches etc. but I'd like to get a product designer to create a proper drawing of my design. Anyone on here a product designer?

Or know the best way to start this process?

For once, I'm going to actually do something with the awesome ideas in my head.

God help us all.

randomshenans · 1 Jul 2013 at 13:43

scrlk said:
http://www.google.com/?tbm=pts

This should help you with regards to US patents.

Just a quick search for it though, you may find something that picks up UK ones as well.

Bloody hell, never knew that existed! Good old clever google. Wonder if they save your searches and if they're any good, register them themselves lol I would

randomshenans · 1 Jul 2013 at 14:35

Fantastic resources, thanks guys.

I can't see anything like it, which is good, but I might just be over thinking it. It's simple, so I'd think it exists in some form? I'll have to contact someone, and do more research I think.

A colleagues dad is a patent lawyer, so might drop him a message and see if he can help/rationalise my idea!

randomshenans · 1 Jul 2013 at 15:32

Ha It's really not interesting, but I will. I just hope it's not out there already, or something stops me, but hey, it's worth the punt on it.