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A prior art search involves looking for any inventions or technologies that disclose your idea before the filing date of your patent application. It probably would be clearer if the United States Patent Office called it ‘prior invention’ search rather than ‘prior art’ search. Nonetheless, anything that is disclosed in a printed publication in the United States or anywhere in the whole world can serve as prior inventions. This includes websites, university thesis papers, and white papers. Also, anything related to your invention that was publicly disclosed, offered for sale, or publicly known by you or others prior to the filing date of your patent application can be considered prior inventions in many instances. In the United States, it might be possible to ‘swear’ behind some kinds of prior inventions through a sworn affidavit if it is shown that your invention date is before the publication or filing date of a prior invention.
It is not necessary to conduct a prior invention search before filing your patent application. However, sometimes it is a good idea to do so to make sure you are using your money wisely to protect the inventions that have the greatest chance of making it through the patent office as granted patents. Any prior inventions that you discover must be submitted to the patent office if you decide to file a utility patent application. Otherwise, any resulting patent might later be invalidated).
In the Gold Package, a certified patent engineer conducts your search based on the information you provide.
Ten (10) hours are spent on the search. You receive an enhanced report prepared for you outlining the closest references found. You can decide whether you wish to proceed with more investment in your patent protection based on this expert search.
Get started on your Prior Art Search today!
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