The Patent Search and the Three Phases for Initial Protection (Included with the patent search)

Our patent search includes the world's top patent collections, including those of the US, Europe (EPO), Japan, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). We search 65 patent offices worldwide, thus giving our clients a more comprehensive view of the prior art than those firms just searching US patents. A patent in any foreign country has the same effect as a US patent in that country.

A global patent search will keep the inventor from spending time, money, and energies on an invention already patented or in the public domain. Less than five percent of patented inventions reach the market so it is prudent to do a patent search even if the invention is not in the market in the US.

What are the four possible results of a patent search?

1. The patent search shows there are no existing patents, leaving us free to proceed.

2. The patent search shows there is a direct hit. (Possible solution)

3. The patent search is not clear as to whether the prior art has a direct hit or is in the public domain. (Solution)

4. The patent search shows the patent is over 17 years old and the invention is in the public domain. (Possible Solution)

Three Steps for Initial Protection (included with our patent search)

1. File a Disclosure Document at the Patent Trademark Office to put the inventor on record as the one who conceived and registered the invention.

2. Secrecy and Non-Use Agreement drafted by an attorney. These agreements should be signed by anyone the inventor discloses the invention to prior to filing a patent application. Failure to disclose a concept in confidence can be considered placing it into the public domain, which may present future problems in prosecuting the patent.

3. Inventors Notebook - As part of the patent search, our clients will receive an Inventor's Record Book (sometimes referred to as a lab journal or scientific notebook) and detailed instructions. This is the same methodology in documenting research and development in companies throughout the country. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office accepts this type of record keeping. The Inventor's Notebook can be the winning difference in a potential dispute as to who originated, diligently pursued and reduced the invention to practice.