Have You Checked Out Whether There Are Other Similar Inventions? Information from IP Databases.

Every inventor thinks they have developed something new. Any designer or creator would think they have a work which is unique in every sense of the word. But before more time or resources is spent undertaking further product development, you may wish to do a quick check on the massive wealth of information found in IP databases.

Why would this help? Having an idea is only the beginning; it could be quite a while before you see your first dollar rolling in. Check the state-of-the-art to see if someone else might have already invented something that is similar. Conduct searches to make sure that you are not infringing on someone else’s patent, design or trade mark rights. Such checks can also help you identify potential competitors, seek potential collaborators and aid you in your decision as to how best to protect and market your product.

Patent Databases

Patent documents often disclose not only concepts concerning the general utility of the invention, but generally also give detailed information on the possibility of its practical application in industry. Searching of patent documents and distilling of the information contained to be used in a company’s strategies has in fact grown to become an industry in itself. There are many companies who provide such services from simple searches to detailed patent maps of competing technologies and companies.

A number of IP offices already provide access to their databases online. In Singapore, IPOS’ ePatents (www.epatents.gov.sg) provides a resource on Singapore’s patent information. Alternatively, online databases like SurfIP (www.surfip.gov.sg) could be used to conduct IP searches in and out of Singapore.

Analysing patent information can help businesses

Other Databases

IPOS also provides access to the Singapore trade marks and registered designs databases. The trade marks database may also be assessed online. You may search for, among others,

Singapore’s registered designs database is not currently available online but may be accessed on IPOS’ premises.