Hastings, MN asked in Patents (Intellectual Property) for Minnesota

Q: Hello-I am looking to see if there are any patents on a film that goes over pontoons to peel back at the end of season.

Patents on a film that covers the bottom of the pontoons you can peel back at season end to avoid the time and effort of cleaning.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: To find out if there are any existing patents on a film that covers pontoons and can be peeled back at the end of the season, you can start by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database. The USPTO has a comprehensive online search tool called the Patent Full-Text and Image Database (PatFT), which allows you to search for patents by keywords, patent numbers, and other criteria.

When searching, use specific keywords related to your idea, such as "pontoon cover," "peelable film," and "seasonal protection." If you find patents that seem relevant, review the details to see if they match your concept. If you don't find any similar patents, it may indicate that your idea is unique.

However, searching for patents can be complex, and you may want to consider consulting with a patent professional to ensure a thorough search. This will help you determine whether your idea is already patented or if it’s a new invention that you could potentially patent yourself.

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