A Resource for UC Discovery Grant Students

June/July Focus: Your big idea – or someone else’s

So you have a terrific idea that could revolutionize the whole wireless industry. Or prevent aging, or solve the traffic problem in LA. Are you free to launch into a new business venture and make this all happen? Before you do, it’s wise to find out if someone has already had the same idea and patented it. By patenting an invention, the inventor can essentially prevent someone else from making, using, or selling it.

You can search through issued patents at the UC Patent and Trademark Office via their website: www.uspto.gov/go/pats . Be sure to check the patent applications too, since they may reveal more recent inventions. Start with the abstract to get oriented, but bear in mind the “claims” of the patent are the most important parts – if your idea is described in the claims, it’s not yours to use.

Still looking good? Then write your idea down. In the US, the ownership of an invention is determined by who was first to invent it, so proof of when you made the breakthrough is critical.

Whatever you do, get some good advice. There’s plenty of expertise at your campus, and we’ve listed some useful sources below. We’ve also highlighted some courses that will give you the basics on patents and how they work