They search to determine whether their invention has patenting potential. For examples, see our list of Notable Inventors on the World Wide Web . As a part of the patent examination process , patent examiners search U.S. and foreign patents, as well as a wide range of other technological information to find prior art that will impact whether a patent is issued.
Examiners spend about twelve hours reviewing each patent application.
The PTO does not conduct searches apart from the patent examination process. No one is required to conduct a patent search. Many inventors prefer to do a preliminary search before they apply for a patent. They may find prior art that would affect the patenting potential of their invention. This can help them decide whether to pursue a patent, and whether to modify their efforts to improve the probability of getting a patent.