Sexy searching: 6 Different types of patent searches

Written by Mike Biagio on 23 January 2023

There are several different types of patent searches that can be performed depending on the specific needs of the inventor and the stage of the patent process.

Novelty/knockout Search: A novelty search is a search for prior art that is most relevant to determining whether an invention is new. This type of search typically includes patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature such as technical journals and conference papers, but could also include websites and brochures. The aim of a novelty search is to identify any prior art that is identical or very similar to the invention, as this would indicate that the invention is not new and therefore not patentable.

Infringement Search: An infringement search is a search for prior art that is relevant to determining whether a product or process that is being or is intended to be commercialised would infringe on any existing patents. This type of search typically includes issued patents and published patent applications that have claims that would target the combination of features or steps being carried by the product or process. The aim of an infringement search is to identify any patents that may prevent the inventor from commercialising the invention.

State-of-the-art Search: A state-of-the-art search is a search for prior art that is relevant to determining the current state of technology in a particular field. This type of search typically includes patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature. The aim of a state-of-the-art search is to identify the most recent and relevant prior art in a particular field, which can be used to determine the novelty and non-obviousness of an invention.

Validity Search: A validity search is a search for prior art that is relevant to determining the validity of an issued patent or patent application. This type of search typically includes patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature. The aim of a validity search is to identify any prior art that may be used to challenge the validity of an issued patent or patent application, such as prior art that was not considered during the patent examination process.

Patent Landscape: Patent landscape search is a type of search that aims to provide an overview of the patenting activities in a specific field, technology or product. This search will show the number of patent applications filed, granted patents and the main players in the field. This is useful for companies who want to know the competition level and the current state of the technology in a specific field.

Competitive Intelligence Search: Competitive Intelligence search is a type of search that aims to provide an overview of the patenting activities of a specific company or group of companies. This search will show the number of patent applications filed, granted patents and the main technology areas the company is focusing on. This is useful for companies who want to know the patenting strategy of their competitors.

In conclusion, there are several different types of patent searches that can be performed, each with its own specific purpose. It is important for inventors to understand the different types of searches and choose the appropriate one depending on the specific needs of their invention and the stage of the patent process. Please speak to one of our patent attorneys if you need any assistance on this.

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