Patent Searching
Patent searching is often a very important service for our clients.
Our searcher is extremely experienced with all types of searches and has access to
commercial patent databases that have advanced search functionalities.
Types Of Patent Searches
There are three main reasons to perform a UK Patent Search.
Patentability searching – to find out whether or not your idea is new and to assess the chances of obtaining patent protection. Such a pre-filing patentability search can provide useful information for the patent attorney who drafts any subsequent patent application, as it allows them to word the application in such a way as to maximize the likelihood of a patent being granted.
‘Freedom-to-operate’ searching – to find out whether or not you are likely to be liable for patent infringement if you proceed with certain actions, such as making and selling a product or using a process.
Invalidity searching – to try to find information you can use to attack a particular patent, perhaps if you have been threatened with patent infringement or if you would like to use the invention described in a patent.
Patent Search Costs
The cost of a UK Patent search depends on the type of search being done and the subject matter of the search. Some searches need to be more comprehensive than others. Searching is never entirely conclusive, as it is possible to continue searching indefinitely without being sure that all relevant information has been found.
Free patent searching by keywords and other data can be done on the espacenet database.
If you have the time and inclination to do so, you may wish to perform a free UK Patent search before spending money on a professional search.
Contact us for a free consultation or more information on patent searching.
