When someone develops a new product, process, or machine, he/she will often patent it to make sure no one else develops the same thing and takes credit for it.  Are you wondering whether someone has made a device similar to the one you want to make? You can see if the product has been patented by searching in InnovationQ Plus, Derwent, or the US patent database.

Useful search terms: spinal core injury or spinal core injuries AND "writing aids" OR "hand assist device" OR "writing assistive device"

For more information about patents, take a look at this video:

When someone makes a new product, they have to make sure it follows the standards for that type of product. Are you wondering what published standards there are for the product you want to make? You can see what regulations exist by searching in the IEEE database or on the ASTM website.

• IEEE Published Standards (select "Standards" from the dropdown menu next to the search bar)
• ASTM Standards - click on the appropriate standards category, search for the standard number, or search by keyword     
  You can request an ASTM standard by filling out a form on the library website.

When someone makes a new product, they have to make sure it follows safety regulations that are set in place by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Are you wondering what safety regulations are in place for the product you want to make? You can see what guidelines exist by searching on the ADA or CPSC websites.

For more information on safety regulations, you can search the Code of Federal Regulations.  Contact Anne Zald with any questions.