What is a preliminary patentability search?
A preliminary patentability search looks to see if your invention
appears to be patentable over prior US patents. Your search will
include copies of all relevant prior art found in the search, as well
as my professional opinion on whether or not your invention appears to
be patentable
over that prior art.
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How much does a search cost?
A search can be free, or even better than free, if it turns out
favorably. We offer a full credit of the search fee to any client
who authorizes us to prepare a patent application within a month's
time. If your search results in favorable reports for both a
utility and a design application, then you can get double your search
fee as a credit!
We also offer lowered search fees for inventors with multiple
inventions. See the chart on this page to find out how much you
can save.
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Why do a search first?
The patent process can be expensive, and a search is a very
cost-effective way to find out whether you should try filing for a
patent. Also, the search gives you valuable information about
what kind of patent you should apply for: utility or design.
Additionally, a search gives you a view of the state of the art in your
field, so that we can prepare a stronger application for you.
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What does a search tell me?
A search gives two important pieces of information. First, it
gives an opinion on whether or not your invention appears patentable
over prior US patents. Second, and just as valuable, it gives an
opinion on what type of patent, a utility patent, design patent, or
both, your invention appears eligible for.
- A utility patent protects the way an article is used
and works.
- A design patent protects the way an article looks.
Because many inventions contain elements suited for each a utility and
a design, and because the protection they offer is different, your
search will include a professional opinion on which of the two you are
eligible for, and what strategy will best protect your idea.
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Why not just search for myself?
I apply my years of experience in analyzing your invention, and I know
what the patent office looks for with regard to the standards of prior
art and obviousness. It's easy to know that a search is
unfavorable if it has exactly your invention. But more often than
not, there will be things that have some similarities, as well as some
differences with your invention. That is where you need expert
help.
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What do I do after my search?
After your search is done, we will send you a complete report including
all of the prior art found, as well as a fixed-price, closed-ended
quotation for the preparation of an application, if the search turned
out favorable. This will let you know exactly how much the
application will cost, with no risk on your part, as well as how much
you can expect to save from your search fee credit.
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How do I get started?
You can either contact us
to request a free information kit and search forms, or click here
to
get a printable copy of all the forms you need to mail in to begin your
search.
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What are the fees for a search?
| #
of
Searches |
Price
per
search
|
Total
cost
|
1
|
$299
|
$299
|
2
|
$225
|
$450
|
3
Good
Value
|
$200
|
$600
|
4
|
$175
|
$700
|
5
|
$150
|
$750
|
6
|
$145
|
$870
|
7
|
$140
|
$980
|
8
|
$135
|
$1080
|
9
|
$130
|
$1170
|
10
Best
Value
|
$125
|
$1250
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For more information on the
search process, as well as a copy of the
forms you need, click here
to get your free copy of How To
Obtain A Patent
|
