What it is
A prior art search is a structured review of existing patents, published patent applications, and relevant non-patent literature to determine whether your invention is novel and non-obvious in light of what's already been disclosed.
What's included
- Comprehensive search of patent databases
- Review of relevant non-patent literature and industry publications
- Identification of references most likely to affect examination
- One-on-one debrief call with us to discuss findings and strategy
- Recommendation on whether to proceed, refine, or pivot
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.
- Search and analysisWe conduct the search across all major databases (5 to 7 business days).
- Report and debriefYou receive the written report. We schedule a call to walk through findings.
- Next stepsIf the search supports filing, we discuss provisional vs. non-provisional strategy.
Pricing
Standard Search
A comprehensive search across global patent databases and non-patent literature, delivered as a structured PDF report.
- Review of your invention disclosure or summary
- Customized keyword and classification search strategies
- Search of US, international, and PCT patents and applications
- Review of relevant non-patent literature
- Professionally prepared PDF report with source links
The prior art search is quoted as a flat-fee 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.
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 blocks my idea?
We'll discuss whether your invention can be modified or narrowed to avoid the prior art, whether a different IP strategy makes sense (such as a design patent), or whether to step back.
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 most relevant references and support a well-informed patentability assessment.
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.