How can I find out if someone already has a patent on something?

Answer 1

Start here:

http://www.uspto.gov/patft/

http://www.google.com/patents

http://inventors.about.com/od/patentsearches/Patent_Searches.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you want to do it yourself then check on the following links:
- The US Patent Office
http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html
- The European Office
http://ep.espacenet.com/
- The Japanese Patent Office
http://www.ipdl.inpit.go.jp/homepg_e.ipdl
- Google also have a patent search tool (for US patents only)
http://www.google.com/patents
Also remember to search the patent applications (as well as the issued patents) for the most recently published applications.
Finally (if you are really keen) you should review IBM's Technical Disclosures. See http://www.ibm.com/ibm/licensing/patents/disclosures.shtml these aren't patents, they are inventions that IBM has invented but have chosen not to patent.
Good Luck

Answer 3

patent attorney and have a Patent Search done....takes time and money...

Answer 4

Go to

http://www.uspto.gov
There are also websites for patent searches...why pay an attorney when you can do it for about $250?

Answer 5

You hire a patent attorney and they do the search and they charge megabucks.

Answer 6

go to the website and under patent tab there i a search tab click that one. search there

Answer 7

well if someone is patent is when u dont make people hurry they will always wait for u all times they wouldent have a attitude or nothing ealse

Answer 8

http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html

try that, it's the patent office's web site! good luck!