PATENT SEARCHES
Here at The Plus IP Firm, we’re inventors too. As engineers and intellectual property attorneys we understand that obtaining patent rights for an invention can be a complicated and daunting experience for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the patent application process. Many are led to seek out attorneys who, because of their experience regularly filing these applications, facilitate the process and generally improve the experience. One of the first, and most important, steps to take in the process is to make a determination regarding whether or not the invention presented is likely to be granted a patent. This step, often referred to as a “Patent Search” or “Prior Art Search,” is extremely important for setting appropriate expectations, determining the best way to move forward with an application, and reducing the risk of rejection or objection during the prosecution process.
A patent search done by an attorney on behalf of their client can generally be broken up into the following three steps:
- Define the invention;.
- Search for similar or equal disclosed inventions (often referred to as Prior Art); and
- Analyze the “patentability,” or likelihood of the issuance of a patent, of the invention or process based on the results of step two.
At The Plus IP Firm, our attorneys have been engaged in this practice for over a decade and work diligently to ensure that clients stay informed and satisfied each step of the way. Our training, certifications, experience, and education have provided us with all of the tools necessary to confidently counsel through this process. While in the defining stage of the Patent Search, we work directly with the client to accurately embody the invention in a written description that is used by our team to conduct the necessary searches discussed in the second stage. From there, we thoroughly review, compare, and contrast the prior art with the results of our searches to produce a report for the client including the results of the search, where the invention falls on our scale of patentability, and what the appropriate next steps are.
If you or someone you know is considering filing a patent application with the USPTO, our skilled and experienced patent attorneys will be happy to assist in the filing of your application and subsequent maintenance of your patent and the rights conferred. Call us at 786-443-7720 or visit us on our website to set up a free consultation now.