University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas Libraries

Patent Search Worksheet for subject of invention searching

Date of Search:
                                                                                 
Search Location:
                                                                                 
Inventor(s) name:
                                                                                 
Step 1: Description of your invention
A: how does your invention work?
e.g. Two pieces of dissimilar material can be put together and taken apart repeatedly with little effort. When together it forms a unit

 

B: what are the essential elements of your invention?
e.g. Two different kinds of hooking elements, one flexible and one rigid.

 

STEP 2: Using the Index to the Manual of Classification
Select relevant class/subclass pairs.
                                 
Class/subclass number
 index term
5/103  

 tent bed


STEP 3: Using the Manual of Classification
Look-up all class/subclass pairs from STEP 2. 
 Class/subclass number       title from the Manual

 

 

STEP 4: Look up each classification in the Definitions.
Watch for cross references and other useful information.

 

 

STEP 5: Take class/subclass numbers to a patent database.
Retrieve the patent numbers of patents housed in the selected classes.