Patents - How do I search? [LWN.net]

Patents - How do I search?

Posted Oct 13, 2004 12:45 UTC (Wed) by YangBaxter (guest, #25377)
In reply to: Patents - How do I search? by hppnq
Parent article: Patents - An Alternative View (Groklaw)

> You can search the US patent database here, apparently. IANAL,
> but I wouldn't do it!

No, I can't. What shall I put in as search term? The C++ source code,
the algorithm without name? If I have invented a new machine,
I can search for phrases used to describe the field, where the machine is
going to be used. If I invent a new drug, I can search for the illness
it should cure. But how do I check my 2MB source code?
The point is, that I'm not developing a specific programme, but
libraries to be used by others. Searching for "index table" I get 3447
patents. I just tried to search for some algorithm, where I have
a precise description what they do. I'm sorry, the search results
I checked are just ridiculous. The point is, that I just can't check all
of them without quitting to work.
Just try it out with your favourite work.

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Patents - How do I search?

Posted Oct 13, 2004 12:56 UTC (Wed) by hppnq (guest, #14462) [Link]

I'm not going to try. ;-)

The problem you describe is, of course, one of the things that would have to change in a new patent system. I really wouldn't know anything else but just wade through endless patent descriptions, like you did -- which is a truly useless exercise in many respects.

(Come to think of it, the best thing might just be to apply for a patent yourself! ;-)