LegalGuys - So random question - Are there any patent attorneys here? Or at least someone knowledgeable?
Am patent attorney, but not your attorney.
I use patents.Google.com to do my searching. There are other better tools, but they usually require a subscription. Patent applications are not immediately public. Typically they become public 18 months after filing (or when the patent issues if they file something called a non publication request. Patent pending means a patent application has been filled, but they might never get an actual patent issued. Even if a patent does issue, you need to know what the claims are to know whether something you want to build or sell infringed the patent. You would want an attorney to help with that analysis.
Thanks - and being cognizant that you're not "my attorney," can I possibly ask you only one more question -
The item I'm exploring is something I'm currently just printing on my 3D printer and adding a few components to from off-the-shelf parts. Made in my house. If I just explore selling these to local card shops, or maybe at a show or two, but without any major commercialization, and a patent is later issued that my sales are infringing, what happens? Do they just tell me to stop? Can they make me pay some sort of restitutions? We're not taking big $$, but I'm just curious.
Thanks in advance, and I won't ask any more free advice. If I do decide to move forward, I'll seek someone local who can help (and get paid).