Hi, I'm new around here and was wondering if someone could give me an idea on how to go about a patent search? What are some of basic steps, resources, etc... ?

I appreciate any help. Thanks!

If you know how to Google, you know how to do a patent search! Try www.google.com/patents. Use the best key words you can think of. As you find patents that are somehow related to your idea, start reading their key words and do the search again using the same words.

Whatever you find, be sure to print similar concepts and bring them with you to your attorney when you file a patent because it will help them prepare a better application for you.

Happy Inventing,
Lisa Lloyd

In addition to the google search, if you go to the patent office site: http://www.uspto.gov/
the menu to the left can direct you to all kinds of useful info.

I just heard of a new site called www.wikipatents.com. Similar concept to Wikipedia, peer reviewed patents. Seems like a great concept, hopefully it's as useful as Wikipedia and more useful than the uspto.gov tools.