marketing a new use for a patented product (sales, lawyer, patent)

[Kracer]

Where, on-line, can I get public access to patents for kitchen cleaner products.

Assuming a new and novel use is found for a product, is it possible to get a 'use patent' such as might be done with pharmaceuticals?

Any clue as to where to start researching what the patent covers and what the next step might be?

[sunsprit]

I think you'll find that any patent for a product such as a "kitchen cleaner" will have broad claims for the formulation by function/action which encompass any other uses for it in addition to specified or marketed uses.

So if you find another use for the product, the formulation owners will still own the product patent for those uses.

It's one of the reasons why you will find a lot of these types of products don't have patents on them, because without the patent information on file, it's a challenge for somebody else to replicate the product. You see a lot of this in formulated industrial & commercial products/processes ... where the knowledge of the ingredients/proportions/mixing schedule is proprietary information and a trade secret. Even with the MSDS disclosure of the ingredients, you still will not be able to replicate the finished goods.

If all you're doing is using a formulated product for a purpose other than which it is currently marketed, then you don't have a patent claim ... you've just found another use for the product and the manufacturer will no doubt be happy to have the additional sales if the process doesn't have any new liability attached to it.

However, you may have hit upon a process that is, in and of itself, a patentable scheme. Best to consult with a patent lawyer about your idea.

[Kracer]

Thanks for the insight.

Contacted a long lost friend who is a patent attorney, turned out he worked for a large chemical company but wouldn't touch my question with a ten foot pole because of confidentiality.

The 'new use' would be contrary to the labeling but a sharp marketing dept could launch a new product.

It is intriguing enough for me to pursue.

Thanks again.