Answered By: Poping Lin
Last Updated: Oct 27, 2022     Views: 218

Q.
Patent search: Product-associated patents

How can I find patents associated to a particular (branded) product?


A.

It is always a challenge to conduct a patent search by product (or "brand name") because:

  • Almost all the patented products in the market are known by a brand name or trademark, e.g. Segway® (Personal Mobility Vehicles and Methods)
  • Product names rarely appear in patent documents 
  • Product name may change 
  • A patented technology may be used in many different products with different names

Below are some tips for finding patents by product:

  • Search the name of the product's inventor in patent databases, if known.
  • Search the product's name in a trademark database to identify the owner. Then search the owner's name as Assignee in a patent database. This works if the trademark owner is the original owner of the patent.
  • Check product label, manuals, or packaging. Companies usually physically or virtually mark their product with patent numbers in order to protect their patent right. (e.g. Pat. 12,345,678, Pat. www.patentmarking.com, or Pat.pending.) 
  • Check company website. Some companies may lists patents associated with their products on their websites. 
  • For pharmaceutical products associated patents, use Cortellis. Access is available to HBS AND HU students, staff and faculty onsite at Baker Library (users must be logged in by Baker staff).