Introduction to patent search
This document provides an overview of patent searching for startups. It defines prior art, explains that the goal of a patent search is to find similar existing patents to determine patentability. A patent search should be performed to avoid wasting money on applications for unpatentable ideas and to file higher quality applications. For startups, the most cost effective approach is to do an initial preliminary search, then either file the patent application if nothing similar is found or pay for a professional search if something is found to further evaluate patentability. Professional searches are best avoided initially due to cost unless the invention is simple, in a low-tech field, not fully developed, marginally useful, uses old technology or strongly resembles an existing patent.
Introduction to patent search
- 1. PATENT SEARCH An Introduction 5
- 2. Overview • What is Prior Art? • What is the Goal of Patent Search? • Why perform Patent Search? • What is the most cost-effective Patent Search for a start-up?
- 3. Before applying for a Patent, you have to do more than a Patent Search…
- 4. Prior Art Patents Scientific Journals Publications (Books, Magazines etc) Prior Art = Any information that is made public and related to your invention
- 5. Goal of Patent Search To find prior patents that are similar to your invention and hope that there isn’t any.
- 6. Why do you need to patent search? Save Save Save Embarrassment Money Time Better quality patent application Note that there is no one method of patent search that can ensure that all grounds are covered.
- 7. What is the most co t-effective strategy of Patent Search for a start-up?
- 8. Here’s what we suggest: If nothing similar If something similar to your invention to your invention Own Professional Invention Patent preliminary Search modification Application search If something similar to your invention
- 9. Why not get a professional search immediately? • Cost (needless to explain further) • Delays the filing of your patent application Someone can file for the same/similar patent ahead of you (In this case, you might want to file for provisional patent application first) • Extracts first-hand knowledge or inspiration from other patents related to your field
- 10. When to engage a professional patent search immediately? If your invention • Is relatively simple • Is in the Low-tech field • Isn’t fully developed • Is marginally useful • Uses old technology • Resembles an existing invention
- 11. About IP guide for Start-ups Visit www.facebook.com/patsnap for your weekly dose of Intellectual Property guide for early ventures, written by PatSnap’s PaTENt minutes’ team. Rev up your IP knowledge in just 10 minutes. Each Patent 10 minutes guide consists of 10 slides.