How to check if an item whether is Patented, registered, or trademark?

Question

Is there anyone knows how to find out if an item has been whether patented, registered or trademarked by a company? I want to import a doggie Poop bag, but I heared it was patented, I just wonder if there's any websites or places that i can check on those things for free?

Answer 1

Do you want to know if the bag itself has been filed for? Or do you want check the name you're using for the bag? Just in case, I'll give you information for both.

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.

Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.

I listed some links where you can do some preliminary name checking. However, please be aware that this is merely scratching the surface of what's out there. Only comprehensive research will tell you if the name is truly available. But, these links are free & a great place to start, so I'd try them out first.

There are other sites that offer free searching capabilities in conjunction with their commercial services, so I'm not able to post those links due to the Yahoo! TOS. You'll also want to check domain names & yellow pages, so simply do a search for "free domain name search" and "national yellowpages" and the appropriate links will pop up.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

In the U.S., you can trademark the logo and the name. As for the patent, it all depends on what you mean by material, In many cases, the material will be under patent and you may be opening yourself up to patent infringement by using the material without license. If you own patent on the existing material you are on safer ground, but if not, almost anyone could buy the existing material and use it the way you intend. Your best bet is to consult with a patent attorney to see if filing a patent is a wise use of funds and the chances of you winning a patent suit if you do.

Answer 3

First of all you should check from which place this item comes or prodeced. Then you may enquire Patent Registering institute of that place or Country.You may take the help of your govt. and it would be esay to verify about registration or trade mark as the case may be.