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Index to Patent Classification
The first step will be to look at The Index to U.S. Patent
Classification. This is the alphabetical subject index to the Manual of
Classification. The Index is also available on the Assist Disc of the
Cassis CD-Rom, we find that using the Index in its paper format is
easier.
We need to think of common terms describing our invention, its function,
effect, end-product, structure, and use. We will look up the word "apron".
When we first think of the word "apron", most of us think of the garment
protector, however we notice under the heading Apron, that there
are many types of aprons listed. This is one of the reasons we do not search by
key words, because while searching for the garment patents, we would have to
weed through patents for the vending machine aprons, the dump car aprons, and
the vehicle fender aprons.
There are three types of patents. The most common type of patent is a utility
patent. This is one in which the invention works in a new way to perform a
useful function. Patent searchers are frequently confused when they see
Classifications or Patents that begin with "D". These cover design patents. A
design patent is one in which the invention is purely visual, it is based solely
on the look of the item. The third type is for plant patents. These offer patent
protection for plants that have been asexually reproduced.
Our apron would be a utility patent, because our idea has a utilitarian
function, so we don't look at the headings under apron that say
"design".
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We will need to conduct our search a little differently if we think
our patent may be a design
patent. |
We want to look at patents for an apron that is apparel, therefore we will be
looking at Class 2 and Subclass 48. The plus sign (+) next to the 48 indicates
that when we get to the next step, looking at the Manual of
Classification, we will want to look around at the subclasses located near
Subclass 48, in Class 2, for other, closely related, classifications. We will
note the class and subclass numbers, 2/48, before continuing to the next step,
looking at the Manual of
Classification.
Sometimes using the Find command, under the
Edit pull down menu can be helpful in searching for one word in
a large body of material.
We find that most people prefer using the Index in paper form, if it
is available to them, because it is easier to browse this way.
We will note the class and subclass numbers, 2/48, before continuing to the
next step, looking at the Manual of
Classification.
Created by Nancy Green. Please send comments to englib@lib.utexas.edu
©1996
by the University of Texas at Austin. This material may be quoted or reproduced
without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given.
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