PATENT SEARCHAn Introduction

5

Overview

• What is Prior Art?

• What is the Goal of Patent Search?

• Why perform Patent Search?

• What is the most cost-effective Patent Search for a start-up?

Before applying for a Patent, you have to do more than a Patent

Search…

Prior Art

Prior Art

Publications (Books,

Magazines etc)

Scientific Journals

Patents

= Any information that is made public and related to your invention

Goal of Patent Search

To find prior patents that are similar to your

invention and

hope that there isn’t any.

Why do you need to patent search?

Better quality patent applicationNote that there is no one method of patent search that can ensure

that all grounds are covered.

SaveEmbarrassment

Save

Money

Save

Time

What is the most co t-effective strategy of Patent Search for a

start-up?

Here’s what we suggest:

Own preliminary

search

Professional Search

Invention modification

Patent Application

If nothing similar to your invention

If something similar to your invention

If something similar to your invention

Why not get a professional search immediately?

• Cost (needless to explain further)

• Delays the filing of your patent application

Someone can file for the same/similar patent ahead of you

(In this case, you might want to file for provisional patent application first)

• Extracts first-hand knowledge or inspiration from other patents related to your field

When to engage a professional patent search immediately?

If your invention

• Is relatively simple

• Is in the Low-tech field

• Isn’t fully developed

• Is marginally useful

• Uses old technology

• Resembles an existing invention

About IP guide for Start-ups

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