Knowledgeable Prior Art Search Attorneys Helping Clients Across the Country

Invention can be an exhilarating experience. Developing an idea from its infancy to its final state is an extremely rewarding process, and one that requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. When you finally see your invention come to life, it’s a feeling like no other. You’ve created something new, something that didn’t exist before, and that’s a truly amazing accomplishment.
However, before you can even begin to think about commercializing your invention, you need to make sure that it’s actually patentable. That’s where a prior art search comes in. A prior art search is an essential part of the patenting process, and it’s something that you should never skip.
At Thompson Patent Law, we have a team of experienced and knowledgeable patent attorneys who can help you with every step of the patenting process, including conducting a prior art search. We understand how important it is to protect your invention, and we will do everything we can to help you secure the strongest possible patent.
If you’re ready to get started on your journey to patented status, contact us today at (512) 649-1046. We offer consultations so you understand each step in the process and know what to look forward to.

What is a Prior Art Search?

A prior art search is a process of reviewing patents and other published documents to find information that may be relevant to a given invention. This can be done before filing a patent application in order to get an early understanding of what has already been invented, or after an invention has been patented in order to determine if it is infringing on another patent.
The process of a prior art search can be tricky, as there are many different ways to search as not all patent databases are created equal. There are also many nuances to understanding how patents work and how to read and interpret patent claims. A good prior art search requires skill, experience, and a lot of patience.
However, the benefits of doing a proper prior art search can be great. By identifying any relevant prior art early on in the patent process, inventors can save themselves time and money by avoiding potential patent infringement lawsuits down the road.

What are the Main Types of Prior Art Search?

There are a few main types of prior art search that can be useful when looking for relevant information. These include:
Keyword Search – This type of search uses keywords or key phrases to locate relevant information. The key phrases can be based on the invention’s technology, function, or purpose.
Classification Search – A patent classification searching involves using a standard classification system to look for similar inventions. This can be helpful in finding inventions that might not be using the same terminology as the invention being searched for.
Citation Search – A citation search looks at patents that have been cited by other patents. This can help to identify important patents in a particular field, as well as any prior art that might be relevant to the invention being searched for.
Prior art searches are incredibly important and do take time and effort to do correctly but are worth it in the long run. Let our team help you with your prior art search and secure the patent you need for your invention.

Am I Required to Do a Prior Art Search Before Filing a Patent?

Under U.S. law, you are not required to do a prior art search before filing a patent application. However, it can be very beneficial to do one.
A prior art search can help you determine whether your invention is novel and non-obvious, which are two requirements for obtaining a patent. If you find that there is already prior art that describes your invention, you may decide not to pursue a patent.
Prior art searches can also help you narrow the scope of your claims so that they are more likely to be granted by the USPTO. Finally, if you do end up filing a patent application, the results of your prior art search can be used to support your claims.
If you hire an experienced prior art search lawyer to do a thorough search and document what they find, you will be in a much better position to obtain a patent on your invention.

How Can a Prior Art Search Lawyer Help Me and Is a Lawyer Worth Hiring?

Many people choose to do their own prior art search before filing a patent application. However, there are several advantages to hiring a lawyer to perform the search. First, a lawyer is likely to be familiar with the relevant databases and resources for conducting a thorough search. Second, a lawyer can help you interpret the results of the search and provide guidance on whether or not your invention is novel and non-obvious. Third, if you do decide to file a patent application, having a prior art search performed by a lawyer can help strengthen your case by demonstrating that you have conducted due diligence in investigating the novelty of your invention. We can assist you in a prior art search that can save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Why Should I Choose Thompson Patent Law?

When it comes to intellectual property, experience matters. At Thompson Patent Law, we have years of experience helping clients secure their patents, trademarks, and copyrights. We are a full-service intellectual property law firm, which means that we can help you with every step of the process – from conducting a prior art search to filing your application and everything else in between.
If you are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable intellectual property attorney, contact us today at (512) 649-1046. We would be happy to discuss your case.