Prior art search
Is my idea already patented?
Use semantic search to find patents similar to your idea. No patent attorney required to start exploring what already exists.
What searching tells you
Prior art search is step one — not the final word
Searching PatentBrief will surface published patents with similar concepts. This gives you a starting point — but a patentability determination requires a registered patent attorney who searches non-patent prior art, pending applications, and applies legal standards to your specific claims.
Search tips
Describe the problem, not the solution
Patents protect specific implementations. Searching for "how do I stop my phone screen from cracking" will surface more relevant prior art than searching "shatterproof glass."
Use plain English
Our semantic search understands natural language. You don't need to know patent classification codes or technical jargon — describe your idea the way you'd explain it to a friend.
Broad searches first, narrow second
Start with the general concept, then narrow to specifics. If "wireless charging" returns too many results, try "wireless charging for implanted medical devices."
Finding similar patents is not a dead end
A similar patent doesn't mean you can't patent yours. What matters is whether your specific implementation is novel. Similar prior art just shapes how narrow your claims need to be.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if my idea is already patented?
Search Google Patents (patents.google.com) and the USPTO database (ppubs.uspto.gov) using keywords that describe what your invention does, not what it's called. PatentBrief can help you understand any patents you find.
Does a patent have to be identical to my idea to block me?
No. If your product practices every element of a single patent claim, you're infringing — even if you invented it independently and even if your version is better. This is called literal infringement.
What if my idea is similar but not identical to an existing patent?
It depends on claim scope. Narrow claims may leave room for design-arounds. Wide claims may still cover you. Reading the independent claims carefully — or having an attorney do a freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis — is the right move.
Can I patent an idea I had but haven't built yet?
In the US, you can file a provisional patent before building — but you must be able to describe how it works in enough detail for someone skilled in the field to reproduce it. Vague ideas don't qualify.
What is prior art?
Any publicly available information that existed before your patent filing date that describes your invention. Prior art includes patents, academic papers, products, YouTube videos, and even public demonstrations.
Ready to search?
Describe your invention idea in plain English.