A prior art search is a comprehensive investigation of existing patents, published patent applications, technical literature, and other publicly available information to identify technologies similar to your invention. This search is crucial for determining whether your invention is novel and non-obvious, which are key requirements for patentability.
Conducting a prior art search before filing a patent application can save significant time and money by identifying potential obstacles early in the process. It helps you understand the competitive landscape, refine your invention to distinguish it from existing technologies, and develop a stronger patent application strategy.
We offer several types of prior art searches tailored to your specific needs, including patentability searches (before filing), freedom-to-operate searches (before commercialization), invalidity searches (for litigation or licensing), and state-of-the-art searches (for R&D planning).
Our prior art searches cover U.S. and international patent databases, technical journals, conference proceedings, product literature, and online resources. We leverage our technical expertise to identify relevant prior art that might be missed by less experienced searchers, and we provide detailed analysis of how the prior art relates to your invention.
You will receive a comprehensive search report that includes a list of relevant prior art references, an analysis of how each reference relates to your invention, and strategic recommendations for moving forward. This report serves as a valuable foundation for making informed decisions about patent filing and claim strategy.
