What it is
A prior art search is a structured review of existing patents, published patent applications, and relevant non-patent literature, carried out to surface what has already been disclosed in your invention's field. It is the groundwork for judging novelty and non-obviousness, and the starting point for deciding how to proceed.
What's included
- Review of your invention disclosure or summary
- Customized keyword and classification searching
- Search of relevant U.S., international, and PCT patents and published applications
- Review of relevant non-patent literature where appropriate
- Identification of the most relevant prior art
- Professionally prepared search results and report with source links
Want a closer look at what the search turns up? The optional Patentability Analysis adds a detailed review of the most relevant results and a one-on-one call with Lauren.
Process and Timeline
- Free consultationYou describe the invention, we discuss scope, goals, pros and cons of the patent search, and we confirm a flat fee.
- DisclosureYou provide a written description, drawings, or any reference material you have.
- SearchWe conduct the search across all major databases (5 to 7 business days).
- ResultsYou receive the prepared search results and report, with links to every reference identified.
- Optional analysisIf you add the Patentability Analysis, Lauren reviews the most relevant results in depth and you meet by phone to talk through what they may mean.
Pricing
Prior Art Search
A comprehensive search across global patent databases and non-patent literature, delivered as prepared search results with every reference linked.
- Review of your invention disclosure or summary
- Customized keyword and classification searching
- Search of relevant U.S., international, and PCT patents and published applications
- Review of relevant non-patent literature where appropriate
- Identification of the most relevant prior art
- Professionally prepared search results and report with source links
Patentability Analysis
Want to go beyond the search results? Lauren examines the key similarities and differences between your invention and the most relevant results, helping you understand where your invention may distinguish itself from what has already been disclosed.
- Everything in the $700 Prior Art Search
- Detailed analysis of the most relevant results
- Comparison of key similarities and differences between the prior art and your invention
- Additional context regarding potential distinguishing features
- One-on-one phone call with Lauren Edwards-Williams, USPTO-registered patent agent, to discuss the findings and answer your questions
Both are quoted as flat fees with no surprise add-ons. Pricing reflects the standard scope; complex technologies may require a custom quote, which we'll discuss in the free consultation. The analysis is intended to give you additional context to make an informed decision about possible next steps. It does not guarantee patentability or any particular USPTO outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a prior art search required before filing?
It's not legally required, but it's strongly recommended. Filing without a search means you may invest thousands in an application that's blocked by prior art you didn't know about. A search costs a fraction of a full filing.
What happens if you find prior art that looks close to my idea?
The search results identify it and link to it, so you can see exactly what is out there. Working through what it means for your invention — where yours may differ, and whether to proceed, narrow, or consider a different strategy — is what the optional Patentability Analysis and the call with Lauren are for.
Is the search exhaustive?
Our searches cover the major patent databases and significant non-patent literature. No prior art search can guarantee complete coverage, but this approach is designed to surface the references most relevant to your invention.
What is the difference between the search and the patentability analysis?
The $700 search finds the prior art and hands you the results: the most relevant patents, applications, and literature, prepared as a report with a link to every reference. The $500 analysis is our read of those results — a detailed look at the key similarities and differences between your invention and the closest references, the features that may distinguish it, and a one-on-one call with Lauren to talk it through. The search tells you what is out there; the analysis helps you make sense of it.
Can I add the analysis later?
Yes. Plenty of inventors start with the search, read the results, and then decide they want a closer look. The analysis is $500 whenever you add it, before or after you have seen the search results.
Can the search results be used in my application?
Yes. The references we identify can be cited in an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) when you file, which is required by USPTO duty of disclosure rules and helps your application's prosecution.