Your Ideas Deserve the Best Protection
Determining the novelty of your invention starts with a patent search. The report will lay out the patent landscape, identify patent rights you can target, and guide you in the next step of patent protection.
We offer two patent search services to select
from, based on your budget and needs.
Patent Research Services
PRIOR ART SEARCH
A dedicated APEX patent consultant will conduct a comprehensive prior art search into your idea. You will then have the opportunity to review similar patent publications (aka prior art) to see for yourself what else is out there.
INCLUDES
- Six (6) of the closest U.S. patent publications related to your invention
- Professional Synopsis of your invention
- Current information about the U.S. patent process
- Custom quote for your drafting various patent protecting your invention
SEARCH WITH PATENTABILITY ANALYSIS
In addition to our comprehensive prior art search, this report concludes with a patentability analysis from a registered patent attorney. This analysis compares your invention idea with the other patent publications uncovered in the search and provides a recommendation as to the type of patent protection that may be available to you.
INCLUDES
- Everything listed in the Prior Art Search
- Patentability analysis from a Registered Patent Attorney
- Recommendation based on the uncovered prior art
PRIOR ART SEARCH-$399
A dedicated APEX patent consultant will conduct a comprehensive prior art search into your idea. You will then have the opportunity to review similar patent publications (aka prior art) to see for yourself what else is out there.
INCLUDES
- Six (6) of the closest U.S. patent publications related to your invention
- Professional Synopsis of your invention
- Current information about the U.S. patent process
- Custom quote for your drafting various patent protecting your invention
PRIOR ART SEARCH WITH PATENTABILTY ANALYSIS-$699 (rECOMMENDED!)
INCLUDES
- Everything listed in the prior in the Prior Art Search
- Patentability analysis from a Registered Patent Attorney
- Recommendation based on the uncovered prior art
- Current information about the U.S. patent process
- Custom quote for your drafting various patent protecting your invention
FAQ
What is a novelty?
Novelty is one of the patentability requirements. Novelties refer
to whether a feature of an invention is ‘new’. A patent search will help determine what
is potentially novel about a new idea for an invention.
How does a patent search help identify the novelty of my invention?
The novelty of an invention is what is important to focus on in a patent, as a novelty is what makes the invention different to other similar patents out there. Without a patent search, these novelties would not be known and all the various aspects of the invention would be described in the patent as if they are equally important. This may reduce the likelihood of patentability.
What happens if I don't conduct a patent search?
Your invention may be a kit including a shoe having a water gun feature and a portable re-loader for the water gun. You think “I’ve never seen a shoe having a water gun feature, it’s definitely not out there” so you risk your chances and waive the patent search. A large investment of time and money later and you find out that there is in fact a patent on a shoe having a water gun feature. The patent doesn’t include a kit comprising a portable re-loader but your patent wasn’t written to focus on that aspect of your invention because it wasn’t known that the kit comprising the portable re-loader was a novelty. Your patent now has less chance of patentability than it would have done if a patent search was conducted at the beginning of the process.
How comprehensive is a patent search?
A patent search is a thorough examination of all relevant patents and published patent applications, both domestically and internationally. It’s important to remember, however, that no patent search can guarantee with 100% certainty that your invention is novel. New patents are being published all the time, and there may be relevant patents that are still in the confidential stage of the patent process and have not yet been published.
How long does a patent search take?
“Generally, APEX will deliver your patent search report within 5 business days from
receipt of payment.”
What information do I need to provide for a Patent search?
For the most effective patent search, you should provide a detailed description of your invention, including its purpose, composition, method of use, and any unique features. Diagrams, drawings, or prototypes can also be very helpful in conducting a comprehensive search.
Can I conduct a Patent search on my own?
While it is possible for an individual to conduct a patent search on their own, it is usually recommended to work with a professional. Patent databases can be complex and confusing to navigate, and a professional patent searcher has the experience and knowledge to conduct a thorough and accurate search.
What happens after a patent search?
Once the patent search is complete, you will receive a report with the search results. This report can help you and your patent attorney make an informed decision about whether to proceed with a patent application. If the search reveals that your invention is likely novel and non-obvious, the next step is usually to prepare and file a patent application with the USPTO.
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