The document outlines the seven step process for conducting an effective patent search: 1. Use the Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System to identify relevant patent classes and subclasses. 2. Consult the Manual of Classification to understand the hierarchy and scope of technology covered by the subclasses. 3. Review the Classification Definitions for greater detail on subject matter. 4. Check patent titles to validate the search is on the right path. 5. Obtain a listing of all patent numbers in a class/subclass. 6. Review the Official Gazette to eliminate unrelated patents. 7. Examine full patent documents for potentially similar inventions.

1. The Anatomy of a Patent &
Online Patent Search Tools
Implementing a Patent Search Strategy

4. The Anatomy of a Patent &
Online Patent Search Tools
Implementing a Patent Search Strategy

5. Searching U.S. Patents
on the Internet
 You can “search patents” on the Internet, but you can’t
“do a patent search!”
 To “do a patent search” is to legally determine the
“patentability” of a given invention
 Internet searchers can’t search back far enough or
examine all public-domain ‘prior art’
 Can’t search the full-text of all US or foreign patents
 Internet sites are less authoritative, less reliable; many
have disappeared in time

6. How Can We Determine the
Right Classification Number?
 Use the Manual of Classification and other USPTO
classification tools
 Search by keyword, company, or inventor in USPTO Web
Patent Database for related inventions, and look at the
classifications for those patents you think are similar to your
idea (the “fishing” technique)
 Find similar, patented products in the marketplace, and look
up their classification numbers
 Submit a Field of Search request form to USPTO and wait
for results to be mailed back (7 - 10 days)
 Consult a patent attorney or agent

7. The Seven Step Strategy
Step 1: Index to the U.S. Patent
Classification System (USPC)
Begin with this alphabetical subject index to
the Manual of Classification. Look up
common terms describing the invention and
its function, effect, end-product, structure,
and use. Note suggested class and subclass
numbers.

8. Step 1: Index to the USPC
Start by looking up appropriate keywords in the Web or print
version of the Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System.
Nothing shows up under the phrase “motorcycle helmet,” but
under the term “helmets” we find:
Helmets Class 2 Subclass 410+
Aviators 2 6.1+
Design D29 102+
Diving with air or oxygen 128 201.27+
Firemans 2 5
Hood type 2 205
Illumination combined 362 105
Miners hat 362 164
Military 2 6.6+
Space Suit 2 2.11+
Sports headgear 2 425+

9. Step 2: Manual of Classification
 Outline of all patentable technologies
 Complete and current:
 all U.S. patents from 1790 to present
 all patents kept in current classifications with the latest
patents for a similar technology
 classifications are continuously revised as our
understanding of the technologies changes
 450 Utility and Design Classes
 145,000+ Subclasses

10. Step 2: Manual of Classification
Main or First Line SubclassesClass 2: APPAREL
Subclass Title
------ -------------------------------------------------------------------
1 MISCELLANEOUS
455 GUARD OR PROTECTOR
* BODY BRACES AND SUPPORTS
46 GARMENT PROTECTORS
64 BURIAL GARMENTS
65 FUR GARMENTS
67 BATHING GARMENTS
69 BODY GARMENTS
* HAND OR ARM COVERINGS
* HEAD COVERINGS
* NETHER GARMENTS
* GARMENT SUPPORTERS AND RETAINERS
243.1 GENERAL STRUCTURE
279 ADORNMENT HANDKERCHIEFS, GARMENT WORN
… ...

11. Step 2: Manual of Classification
Second Line Indents
Class 2: APPAREL
Subclass Title
------ -------------------------------------------------------------------
1 MISCELLANEOUS
455 GUARD OR PROTECTOR
456 .Body cover
459 .Shoulder protector
463 .Chest protector
464 .Abdomen protector
465 .Side impact torso protector
466 .Groin protector
467 .Back protector
2.5 .Penetration resistant
410 .For wearer's head
468 .Neck protector
16 .Hand or arm
22 .Leg
* BODY BRACES AND SUPPORTS
… ...

12. Step 2: Manual of Classification
Third Line Indents
Class 2: APPAREL
Subclass Title
------ -------------------------------------------------------------------
1 MISCELLANEOUS
455 GUARD OR PROTECTOR
… ...
410 .For wearer's head
4 ..Insect repelling
5 ..Firemen's helmets
6.1 ..Aviator's helmet
6.6 ..Soldier's (i.e., ground based trooper) helmet
411 ..Including energy-absorbing means
417 ..Including adjustment for wearer's head size
421 ..Including helmet-retention means
422 ..With article-attaching means
423 ..And ears
424 ..And face
… …

13. Step 2: Final Hierarchy of
Classification for Class 2, Subclass 424
Class 2: APPAREL
Subclass Title
------- -----------------------------------------------------------------
455 GUARD OR PROTECTOR
410 .For wearer's head
424 ..And face

14. Step 3: Classification Definitions
 Detailed definitions of the subject matter in each
class and subclass of the US Patent Classification
system
 Includes valuable search notes and suggestions for
other classifications to consider not found anywhere
else
 Note:If you’re doing a “real” patent search, you must
consult the Classification Definitions!

15. Step 3: Classification Definitions
for Class 2, Subclass 424
Classification:2/424
Device under subclass 410 provided with means to protect
the front part of the head, extending from the forehead to
the chin, as well as the remainder of the head of the wearer.
(1) Note. This subclass provides for a combination of head
protector and face protector. See subclass 9, below this
subclass in the schedule, for a face protector.
SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
9, for a face protector, and see (1) Note above.
427, for a face protector that includes goggles.

16. Step 4: Check Patent Titles
Find out if you’re on the right path -- retrieve and
browse through titles of patents issued in a given
class and subclass using the USPTO Web Patent
Database or Cassis Patents BIB DVD-ROM
If not, redirect the search -- retrieve lists of patents
containing applicable keywords; note their class
and subclass numbers and go back to Step 2.

17. Step 4: Check Patent Titles
Check patent abstracts back three or four years on the Patents BIB CD-
ROM, or back to 1971 on APS Text and the USPTO Home Page
Number | Title
-----------+--------------------------------------------------------------------
5680656 Safety helmet
5675875 Adjustable breakaway
5671483 Removable subsidiary helmet face shield lens
5666671 Facial mask
5661849 Protective face guard for softball players
5652964 Photochromatic visor for use with a crash helmet
5647066 Safety helmet visor
5647060 Protective replaceable face shield assembly
5632048 Protector hearing helmet
5628071 Collapsible helmet
5619755 Integral crash-helmet for motorcyclists and the like ...
...

18. Step 5: Subclass Listing
Once relevant classes and subclasses
are identified, obtain a list of all patent
numbers granted from 1790 to the
present for every class and subclass to
be searched.

19. Step 5: Subclass Listing
Classification: 2/424 ORs: 174 XRs: 198 Total: 372
5592698 O 5575018 O 5575009 X 5571220 O 5570881 X 5566668 X
5555570 O
5555569 O 5555567 O 5553330 X 5553329 O 5551087 X 5546610 X
5546609 X
5546604 X 5539936 O 5537687 X 5520623 X 5517698 O 5502843 O
5500953 X
5483699 X 5479658 X 5477566 O 5477565 X 5469584 X 5467480 X
5461731 O
5448780 O 5444875 O 5421035 X 5412814 O 5412810 O 5394566 O
5394564 X
5392468 O 5388278 X 5388277 X 5384914 X 5365615 X 5357635 X
5351339 X
5345614 X 5341516 X 5337419 X 5333329 O 5329642 O 5329641 X
5322061 X...

20. Step 6: Official Gazette
(now optional)
Go to the Official Gazette
(Patent Section) and look up
summaries and a
representative drawing for
every patent on your subclass
list to eliminate those patents
clearly unrelated to your
invention.

21. Step 7: Complete
Patent Documents
Examine full-text U.S. patent
copies on Web or on USAPat
DVD-ROMs from 1790 to
present, of all patents that
may be similar to your idea.
Front page of a representative patent
from Class 2, Subclass 424

22. The Anatomy of a Patent &
Online Patent Search Tools
Implementing a Patent Search Strategy

23. www.HULSEYIPLaw.com