Patent Resources / Guide

How to Check If an Invention Already Exists

Before investing time and money into a new invention, it is essential to check whether something similar already exists. The fastest and most reliable way to do this is by using a structured patent search tool that analyses global patent data.

You can start immediately by running your idea through our low cost PatentHound Analyzer, which scans a patent database and highlights similar inventions and prior art, and provides a fully downloadable report

Use the PatentHound Analyzer

Why This Step Matters

Many inventors assume their idea is new, but most ideas already exist in some form. Proper research helps you avoid wasted development costs and strengthens any future patent application.

Key Insight: An invention does not need to be commercially available to already exist — it only needs to have been publicly disclosed anywhere in the world.

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Step 1: Understand the Idea in Simple Terms

Before using technical databases, describe your invention in plain English. Focus on the problem it solves and how it works.

What problem does it solve?
How does it function?
What makes it different?

This step helps you refine your search terms before checking patents or databases.

Step 2: Check Patent Databases (Secondary Check)

If you want to manually verify results or explore further, you can search public patent databases. These are best used after running your idea through our low cost PatentHound Analyzer.

Espacenet (European Patent Office)
UK IPO Patent Search

Try different keyword combinations and break your invention into components for better results.

Step 3: Identify Prior Art

Prior art includes anything that proves your invention already exists — patents, products, videos, or publications.

Tip: If something performs the same function in a similar way, it may still count as prior art even if it looks different.

Step 4: Compare Features, Not Just Names

Two inventions may have different names but still be functionally identical. Focus on how they work, not what they are called.

Core mechanism
Problem solved
Output or result

Step 5: Check International Patents

Patents are global. A similar invention anywhere in the world can affect your ability to patent in the UK.

Always consider international patent databases when reviewing results.

When to Get Professional Help

If your search reveals similar inventions or you are unsure how close something is, a patent professional can provide a deeper assessment.

Important: Professional searches are significantly deeper than manual research and can identify risks early.

Summary

Checking whether an invention already exists is a layered process. The fastest approach is to use a structured patent analysis tool first, then validate manually if needed.

Part of the Patent Resources hub at PatentHound.

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