Patent Search Services Overview
Patent search services include varied types of searches, each serving a distinct purpose at a different stage of the patent life cycle. Choosing the right search at the right time helps you understand the state of the technology, the scope of existing rights, and the strength of your own invention before committing resources to filing or commercialization.
Patentability Search
It is sensible to conduct a Patentability Search at the early stage where the inventor has developed an invention and is thinking of applying for the patent. A patentability search reveals the documents necessary to determine the ingredients of originality and novelty of the particular invention as well as the criteria of inventive step required for the invention to be patented. This type of search shall cover all the technical fields which may contain such materials significant to the invention.
Invalidation Search
A patent invalidation search is required to be conducted in order to validate or invalidate claims of a competitor's patent. This type of search is required to be performed when a patent owner is faced with a patent infringement lawsuit.
Freedom to Operate / Clearance Search
Before commencing with the commercialization of your product/invention, it is a prerequisite to conducting a clearance search in order to ensure that the product can be safely launched in a market or region of interest without violating the IP rights of any third force within that jurisdiction.
In case of any existing IP rights that might be infringed upon by any actions you propose to implement, you can get the freedom to operate in the particular region of interest by way of negotiating a licensing agreement with the owner of such relevant Intellectual Property Rights.
Another important benefit of analyzing existing inventions or patents is that it gives an aerial view of various aspects of that particular technology, thereby enabling the inventor to understand the scope of further developments in the particular field/domain. Therefore, it helps and guides the R & D programs held within companies wishing to tap new areas.
How We Help
- Detailed, in-depth, and extensive FTO searches with a conclusive report.
- Patentability searches covering novelty and inventive step across technical fields.
- Invalidation searches to validate or invalidate a competitor's claims during infringement disputes.
- Analysis that gives an aerial view of the technology landscape to guide R&D.