Patent Search Services

I. PATENTABILITY/NOVELTY SEARCH

Patentability searches are conducted to determine if anyone has previously invented anything similar or identical to your invention. Patentability searches generally have no date constraints on the prior art. Service includes a search of issued patents (active and expired), published patent applications. Also includes an analysis of the most relevant prior art references, electronic copies of listed patent references, and a formal report.

II. VALIDITY SEARCH

Used to determine whether a patent already obtained on an invention is valid or not and/or the strength of a patent. Includes an extensive prior art search (both active and expired patents), with emphasis on references not considered by the Patent Examiner; claims analysis and comparison; electronic copies of listed patent references, and formal validity opinion report.

III. FREEDOM TO OPERATE SEARCH

A freedom to operate analysis helps determine whether you are free to produce a particular product or engage in an activity without being blocked by an existing active patent. That is, if you proceed with your plans, will you infringe a claim of an existing patent? Service includes a search of relevant patents (active and expired), claims analysis, electronic copies of listed patent references, and a formal freedom to operate opinion report.

IV. INFRINGEMENT SEARCH

Used to determine whether a proposed product or invention violates any active patents. Includes search of active patents only; claims analysis and comparison, copies of listed patent references, electronic copies of listed patent references, and a formal infringement opinion report.

VI. LANDSCAPE SEARCH

Provides a broad overview of a technology or industry over time. Includes search and analysis of relevant patents (active and expired) and non-patent literature, industry analysis, copies of relevant patent references, and a formal report discussing potential areas of development in the field.

VII. STATE-OF-THE-ART SEARCH

A State-of-the-Art Search is designed to quickly show what is currently being developed in a given field. Service includes an extensive search of recent patents and non-patent literature in a particular technology area, electronic copies of listed patent references, and a formal report.

VIII. COLLECTION SEARCH

A collection search is a comprehensive search to determine the evolution of a particular technology over a fixed period of time. A collection search includes active and expired patents in a particular technology area and electronic copies of listed patent documents.

IX. LITERATURE SEARCH

A literature search specifically covers enabling, non-patent literature that may be cited as prior art against a patent application. Service includes a search of DIALOG and other database resources, citations and abstracts (if available) an analysis of the most relevant references, and a formal report.

X. FOREIGN PATENT SEARCH

A foreign patent search covers patent references in Europe, Japan, and Canada. This service includes a search of foreign databases at the USPTO and other databases, an analysis of the most relevant foreign patent references, electronic copies of English abstracts, and a formal report.

XI. FILE WRAPPER SEARCH

If you need a copy of the file history for a particular patent, we can order the complete file from the USPTO. Certified copies are available for an additional charge.

XII. ASSIGNMENT/INVENTOR SEARCH

This search focuses on patents assigned to a person or particular company. This search provides information on patents owned by a particular company, or patents issued to a particular inventor. This service includes a categorized listing of patent references, electronic copies of listed patent references, a discussion of the most relevant patent references (if applicable), and a formal report.

RUSH SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR ALL SEARCHES