Searching for Prior Art
The USPTO recommends that business owners conduct a search of all previous public disclosures, which are called "prior art," including previously patented inventions, to determine if their inventions have been publicly disclosed.

You can begin conducting prior art searches on the USPTO Web site or at one of the USPTO's Patent and Trademark Depository Libraries (PTDLs). Because finding all relevant prior art can be difficult, you may also wish to consider hiring a professional search firm.

Access Online Forms
These forms, which can be downloaded from the USPTO Web site, are made available to help guide small businesses through the often-complicated world of intellectual property protection.