Conduct a Self-Search

• 1). Determine what type of patent you will be seeking. A utility patent covers the functional aspects of an invention, while a design patent only covers the appearance of an invention.
  
  
• 2). Access an online patent database such as the ones provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and IBM. Determine the most relevant classes and subclasses for your invention.
  
  
• 3). Read the class descriptions in the database to see which are relevant to your idea.
  
  
• 4). Review all patents issued within those classes.
  
  
• 5). Perform comprehensive keyword searches for your potential invention. Leave no stone unturned.
  
  
• 6). Assemble your search results into a report that can be readily referenced.