Mastering Patent Searches - Finding Insights for Innovation Protection
Patent Search
A patent search aims to identify whether there are any other products or methods which are identical or similar to your invention that have already been patented, published or made available to the public.
Any relevant prior art found may prevent you from obtaining a valid patent or may need to be considered when drafting the patent specification.
Any relevant prior art found may prevent you from obtaining a valid patent or may need to be considered when drafting the patent specification.
Types of Patent Searches
There are a number of different types of patent searches available. We can advise you which patent search would be most appropriate depending on your particular circumstances and objectives.
These searches include:
The patentability search is designed to search for any prior disclosure of your invention which may prevent you from obtaining a valid patent due to lack of novelty and/or inventiveness. The patentability search involves conducting a search of various international patent databases and an internet-based search to search for any relevant prior art.
The freedom-to-operate search is designed to search for published patent applications and granted patents in a specific country whose claims could potentially be infringed upon commercialisation of your invention. Freedom to operate searches are conducted where there are concerns regarding the use of an invention and where products are being imported in a country where patent rights may exist.
A state-of-the-art search provides valuable information on current technology relevant to the invention and can be used to identify potential competitors and/or commercial partners.
A competitor search is a name-based search used to determine if a particular individual or organisation has any patent applications or granted patents.
An international-type search is a search conducted by IP Australia based on a provisional application. The results can be used to determine if, and how, to proceed along an international patent application route.
These searches include:
- Patentability or Prior Art Search;
- Freedom-to-Operate or Infringement Search;
- State-of-the-Art Search;
- Competitor Search;
- International-Type Search.
The patentability search is designed to search for any prior disclosure of your invention which may prevent you from obtaining a valid patent due to lack of novelty and/or inventiveness. The patentability search involves conducting a search of various international patent databases and an internet-based search to search for any relevant prior art.
The freedom-to-operate search is designed to search for published patent applications and granted patents in a specific country whose claims could potentially be infringed upon commercialisation of your invention. Freedom to operate searches are conducted where there are concerns regarding the use of an invention and where products are being imported in a country where patent rights may exist.
A state-of-the-art search provides valuable information on current technology relevant to the invention and can be used to identify potential competitors and/or commercial partners.
A competitor search is a name-based search used to determine if a particular individual or organisation has any patent applications or granted patents.
An international-type search is a search conducted by IP Australia based on a provisional application. The results can be used to determine if, and how, to proceed along an international patent application route.
If you would like us to conduct a preliminary patent search, please contact us.
