Prior Art Search

A "prior art search" is the methodical process of finding and analyzing all pertinent data, records, and publically accessible knowledge that was in existence previous to a specific discovery or advance.

The main objective of a prior art search for patentability

Finding documents that may potentially compromise the invention's patentability, both patented and non-patented, is the main objective of a patentability search. A search of this kind turns up previous art, which helps patent drafters create claims that are as broad as feasible based on the found prior art. To determine whether an invention is innovative, it is essential to carry out a Patentability Search, also known as a Novelty Search, prior to filing a patent application.

This search is crucial because nobody wants to spend a lot of money preparing and submitting a patent application just to have it denied because the patent examiner found a notion that is identical to their innovation. The inventor, patent attorney, or patent examiner can find out if the same idea has been thought of before by doing a Patentability Search to find prior art. If the search indicates that an idea is already out there that is comparable, there is an opportunity to save money by either not filing the application or improving and changing the idea to make it fulfill the requirements for patentability.

In addition to helping determine the possibility of getting a patent, a Novelty Search offers important information about the likelihood that the invention will be approved. One can safely move on with filing the patent if the search shows that the idea is unique and meets all patentability requirements. This is because there is a high likelihood of the patent being approved.

Three stages of prior art search techniques

1. Recognizing the Technology
   We fully immerse ourselves in the field of interest during this first phase, acquiring a profound comprehension of the technology.

2. Searching the Technology
   We search both patent and non-patent databases thoroughly.
   Our search tactics include:
   Searching using keywords
   IPC, USC, and CPC classifications are among the classes that are searched.

3. Reporting and Analysis
   We use Title, Abstract, and Claims-based screening to determine which patent references are pertinent.