Has My Idea Already Been Patented?

There are Three Steps to Discover Whether an Idea is Patented Already. Go to the official website of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Use the "Full-Text and Image Database" search to verify any present patent applications and pictures. You can find filed applications and pictures for patents filed after 1975.

Can I patent an idea that already exists?

You can't patent an existing or old product. However, you can patent a new use for an existing or old product as long as the new use is nonobvious. Moreover, the new use cannot be inherent in the use of the existing or old product.

Can someone steal your idea and patent it?

Before the patent application

You have no rights until you file a patent application. If you share your idea or product with others before filing, they can steal it without any repercussions.