What is a Patent Search?
A patent search is a search of issued patents and published patent applications for inventions that might be considered important “prior art” references when applying for a patent. Prior art is anything in the public domain, patented or not patented, that may determine whether an invention is novel or not.
A patent searcher reviews the drawings and text of patents and patent applications to find inventions that may be similar to an inventor’s new invention.
The patent searcher uses the patent classification system, in addition to keyword searching, to find relevant patents.
What Types of Patent Searches Are Available?
- Novelty Search
- Collection Search
- Infringement (Non-Infringement) Search
- Right-to-Use (Freedom-to-Operate) Search
- State-of-the-Art Search
- Validity (Invalidity) Search
Click here to see our Patent Search Types & Prices page for more information.
What technology areas do you specialize in?
We specialize in aerospace, business method, chemical, electrical, genetic, mechanical, medical and software patent searches.
What are the firsts step to start a Planet Patent search?
Step 1: Submit the Confidentiality Agreement.
Step 2: Submit the Invention Disclosure.
Step 3: We send you a firm cost quote for your review.
Step 4: If you accept the quote complete the order with your secure payment online or offline.
What does a patent novelty search include?
- A patent search report listing patents related to your invention in order of more relevant to less relevant.
- PDF copies of cited patents. Patent search reports and PDF copies of cited patents are sent via e-mail.
- A US Patent Office Examiner recommended field of search for the new invention is available upon request for no extra charge.
How long does a patent search take to complete?
A patent search takes 1 to 2 weeks to complete after receiving drawings and a written explanation of your invention.
What information about my invention should I include?
- Drawings, photos, and text explaining how your invention works.
- Information that explains the industry or context in which your invention is used.
- Company names of your known competitors or potential licensors.
How much does a patent search cost?
A patent novelty search for a mechanical invention costs $400. This price is for mechanical inventions of average complexity. See below for more information.*
Other types of patent searches are available, see our Patent Search Types & Prices page for more information.
The hourly patent search rates: $100 an hour (currency is U.S. dollars).
What are the payment options?
We accept money orders, checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and PayPal.™
Why do a patent search?
A patent search provides valuable insights that can save time, reduce costs, and lower business risks. Key benefits include:
Avoiding wasted investment – Prevents spending time and money on inventions that have already been patented or published.
Assessing patentability – Helps evaluate whether an invention is novel before investing in the expensive patent application process.
Reducing legal risks – Identifies patents currently in force that a new product might infringe, helping avoid costly lawsuits.
Revealing opportunities – Uncovers “gaps” in existing technology that can inspire improvements and new innovations.
Understanding competitors – Provides insight into competitors’ patents and strategies, and can even help identify potential partners.
Supporting patent applications – Helps assess novelty before the USPTO examination process, which typically takes 2–3 years.
Challenging competitor patents – Can identify prior art that may invalidate a competitor’s patent.
Evaluating patent transactions – Assists in determining the value or validity of patents before buying, selling, or licensing.
Tracking technology trends – Reveals developments in specific fields to guide R&D and business planning.
Finding public-domain technology – Identifies expired patents that can be freely used without royalties.
Assessing portfolio strength – Provides insights into the depth and quality of a company’s patent portfolio.
NOTICES:
Invention Disclosure Notice: Please do NOT disclose information about your invention in your first inquiry. Planet Patent will provide you with a Confidentiality Agreement before you disclose information about your invention if you require such a document.
Privacy Notice: Planet Patent does not share or disclose customer information or any information submitted on this website.
If you still have questions contact us at:
Telephone Number:
Toll Free: 1-866-U-INVENT (1-866-846-8368)
For international calls: 011-866-846-8368
E-mail Address:
Fax Number:
1-866-846-8368
Postal Address:
PlanetPatent.com
8401 MAYLAND DR STE S
RICHMOND, VA 23294