Is there anything new under the sun? Heres how to find out if your bright idea is unique.

"There's nothing new under the sun" is probably the one phrase no inventor wants to hear, seldom believes, and is always trying to prove wrong.

However, moving too quickly to prototype stage and first disclosure can turn out to be costly for the inventor who doesn't take the time to find out if his or her invention is already patented.

Yet, with over 3000 utility patents being issued each week in the United States, that can seem like a daunting if not downright impossible task.

So, what can the inventor do to get the information ? and assurance ? he needs to proceed with his work?

The first thing to do is conduct a preliminary search of patents at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Public Patent Search Room, which contains U.S. patents arranged according to the U.S. Patent Classification System of over 460 classes and over 136,000 subclasses. The Patent Search Room, located in Arlington, Virginia, is open to the public from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday to Friday, except on federal holidays.

If you don't live near Arlington, you don't need to make travel reservations. Instead, you can access the searchable database containing patent information for all U.S. patents granted since 1976 and all patent application publications (first published in March 2001), on the USPTO web site at http://www.uspto.gov/go/pats.

Inventors can also perform a preliminary search of patents at one of the Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDLs) established throughout the United States. These libraries have copies of patents in microfilm and/or optical disc format arranged in numerical order. They have classification search tools, automated search aids, and photocopy facilities available to the public. For information on your nearest PTDL, you may visit the PTDL web site at http://www.uspto.gov/go/ptdl.

Another option is to use specialized software like Patent Hunter?, a program which is designed to simplify the search process and to allow you to conduct a more complete search. For information about Patent Hunter, go to www.patenthunter.com.

You can also have a patent attorney or agent conduct a complete search for you. If you do not yet know a patent attorney or agent and would like to retain one, there are several ways to do so.

If you are a member of an inventors' organization, networking with other inventors to learn which attorneys in your area get rave reviews can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to find good counsel. And, if you don't find using the Yellow Pages appealing, you might also want to contact your state the law association for a list of attorneys practicing IP law. Finally, if you choose to conduct an internet search, you will want to check out the USPTO listing of registered patent attorneys aand agents by going to http://www.uspto.gov/do/oed,.

Whatever method you use to verify that your invention is unique and hasn't been patented, acting early in the invention process can save you significant time and money. Or, if you discover someone already holds the patent, reviewing their design may inspire your creativity and lead you to add some "bells and whistles" that takes the idea to the "next level" and allows you to secure a patent on a superior product.

© 2004. All rights reserved. Impact Coaching International? You may copy or distribute this article free of charge as long as it is kept intact and sent in its entirety including copyright notice and full information about contacting the author, Rosemary Hauschild.

Rosemary Hauschild is a business coach serving creative individuals developing intellectual property. Impact Coaching International? offers a year-long program showing creative individuals how to protect, promote and profit from their innovative ideas in less time and with more profits. This coaching program is delivered through quarterly workshops, teleconference calls, web casts, fax and email. Individual coaching services are also available. To learn more about how to protect and promote your intellectual property, you are invited to subscribe to the free e-zine, Creations Of The Mind?, by sending an email to impactcoaching@msn.com with the following phrase in the subject line of your e-mail: subscribe creations list.

---

Secrets to Get Free Advertising

The opportunities to get free advertising for your product or... Read More

Choosing a Print Mail Dealer

"Print & Mail is a type of service that... Read More

Offline Advertising Tips

Since most of us are always online and our business... Read More

Prove It! - Give Your Marketing and Advertising More Credibility

Your marketing and advertising won't be effective if your potential... Read More

Electronic Score Boards

Wide range of electronic Key venues around the globe has... Read More

B2B Marketing Health and Elder Care Services

Quality Care Options is an established company advocating for the... Read More

Worn Out Brochure Design Is Keeping Small Business Owners Down

I got another one of those calls the other day...Can... Read More

Ten Secrets for Getting FREE Advertising

The opportunities for getting free advertising for yourproduct or services... Read More

Predictions for 2010

2005 puts us at the mid-point of the first decade... Read More

Why Your Ads Aren?t Working

The president of a manufacturing company recently asked me, "Why... Read More

Business Cards: Why Waste Valuable Space?

So many business people neglect this valuable asset that may... Read More

Buying Radio? Read This and Dont Waste Your Money

Pay close attention and make it work the best for... Read More

Media Savvy ? Media Skills For Rural Women

The ability to lead, persuade and influence are integral skills... Read More

Hit Them With Benefits

More about advertising from BIG Mike McDanielIt makes no difference... Read More

Advertising on a Budget -- Part 3: Frequency, Frequency, Frequency

This is the third article of a three-part series. I'm... Read More

Marketing Tips For Small Business ? Advertising That Works, Part I

Have you ever seen an ad on television that was... Read More

The Skinny on Billboards

Several years back the billboard people put a big picture... Read More

80% of All Advertising Is Wasted Due To This Common Mistake

You're flipping through this publication as you wait for your... Read More

Sex in Advertising: Does it Sell?

We're surrounded by advertisements that desperately compete for our attention.... Read More

Forgot The Ad Budget? Dont Panic!

Bob is excited about his new business. He secured funding.... Read More

Information Gathering & Delivery May Never Be The Same!

Give Us The Bottom Line!If you are like most people,... Read More

Online Classifieds

Choosing a Classified Website and creating your advertisements.The internet has... Read More

Good Design Makes Good Sense

Organized your pencils and pens lately? Sorted your clothes into... Read More

Make Your Business Cards Work

What's the cheapest, most under-used marketing tool you have?The answer's... Read More

Understanding The Basics Of Advertising

I get the L.A. Times delivered to my door every... Read More

Science of Advertising and How to Benefit From It

It is very important to realize that persons buy from... Read More

Magnetic Business Cards: Make Your Marketing Message Stick

What is it about magnets that draw people to leave... Read More

Reach vs. Frequency: Touch 100 Once or 25 Four Times?

Reach and frequency are terms generally used when planning advertising... Read More

Custom LED Display

Custom LED Display, as the name specifies, facilitate control anything... Read More

Books, Bibles and Fast-Talkers

Every community has 'em. Fast talkers who roll into town... Read More

Create Your Own Business Cards, Part 2

This is the second part of creating your own business... Read More

How To Write More Powerful Brochures, Leaflets, And Catalogues

Probably the most interesting thing about brochures and leaflets is... Read More

6 Must-Have Elements of a Powerful Brochure

Most brochures that businesses put out today end up doing... Read More