How to Conduct a Patent Search? Public Patent Search Databases

A patent search is a systematic review to check whether an invention is similar to information made public before the filing date. It gives an indication of the novelty of the invention, but on its own it does not predict whether a patent will be granted.

A search generally proceeds through these steps:

• Write a short description of the invention and identify its core technical concepts.
• List keywords, synonyms and the English equivalents of technical terms.
• Search using international patent classification codes (IPC or CPC).
• Review the date, country and scope of the documents found.
• Read the claims of similar documents and note how your invention differs.

Public databases are commonly used for an initial search. For example, the public search system of TÜRKPATENT covers Turkish application and registration records, the Espacenet database of the European Patent Office covers patent documents from many countries, and WIPO's PATENTSCOPE system can be used to search international (PCT) applications. Most of these systems generally offer free access, but please check the current terms of use on the relevant institution's website.

Search language matters. Technical documents are mostly published in English, so searching with Turkish keywords alone may return incomplete results. Classification codes also help to find similar inventions described in other languages.

Reading the title and abstract is not enough. The actual scope of a document is written in its claims. If a similar document is found, read its claims to clearly show where your invention differs.

The limits of a search should also be understood. No search can cover every document in the world, and some information may have been published as an article, a product catalogue or a fair presentation rather than a patent document. Results should therefore be read as a risk assessment.

Imagine a business developing a new package-closing device. Rather than searching only its commercial name, run separate searches for technical concepts such as a compression element, motion transmission and sealing mechanism. Record why each document appears relevant. A list of links alone makes it difficult to understand the reasoning later. A working table can include document number, publication date, relevant drawing and assessment note. State the purpose at the outset: application preparation, technology monitoring or assessing operating risk in a particular market. These questions require different sets of documents and different interpretations.

Searching before disclosing your invention helps you think about both novelty and priority planning. The current TÜRKPATENT tariff applies to fees; please verify before filing. For a detailed preliminary search, see our service page or request a free preliminary search: /en/hizmetler/patent-arastirma This article is for general information only; for an assessment specific to your file, please consult our patent attorney.