What is a Patent Search ?

     Preliminary Patent Searches are generally performed to discover whether or not a particular invention is truly original or if, in fact, it has already been patented. 

     A Patent Search involves many steps the first of which is to identify the answers to some preliminary questions such as:

• What does the invention do?

•  How does it work?

• What problem(s) does it solve?

     With these answers a professional patent searcher, familiar with your inventions related industry, may start with a manual of indexes to the patent classification system.  From there the searcher will investigate classification definitions of classes and sub classes where other inventions ( referred to as prior art ) may be found.  Upon searching inventions and earlier patent applications, that may fall within indexes identified, each reference is inspected to verify whether your invention is similar enough  or is obvious enough with regard to one or more earlier inventions to be found ineligible under the current case law for patent protection.

     Next, the same search is performed for patents and applications that have been filed in foreign countries.  Following this, a professional searcher will search many publications such as magazine articles looking for a description of an invention like yours

Why obtain a Professional Patent Search?

       Although patent searching is a very arduous process, there is no way to guarantee that the patent office will not site prior art that your search did not discover.  A preliminary patent search performed by a Patent Professional, is a tool that will allow you to save money by getting the lay of the land before you invest in the cost of a patent application.  I does not make sense to invest thousands when hundreds may be all you need.

How to obtain a Professional Patent Search

• To request additional information please fill out the Patent Search Information Request Form.

• To order a search either fill out our Patent Search Form

or

• Call us at (617) 997-0900 for the answer to any questions you might have.

   In line with our policy of personal service, when you call you will have the opportunity to speak with a Attorney Registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  We do not believe in separate customer services departments - Patents and Trademarks are Legal Instruments that we believe should be discussed only with legal representatives. Initial discussions with a Registered Patent Attorney are at no charge and are held in the strictest of confidence.