Prior Art Search: Essential Steps to Protect Your Invention

At Trenner Law Firm, we understand the importance of protecting your innovative ideas. A crucial step in the patenting process is conducting a thorough prior art search, also known as a patent search. This process involves identifying existing patents and publications that are similar to your invention. By doing so, you can assess the novelty and patentability of your invention before filing a patent application. Our experienced Colorado Patent Attorney, Mark Trenner, and the dedicated team at Trenner Law Firm are here to guide you through this essential process, ensuring that your invention is protected.

A prior art search involves searching existing patents, published patent applications, and other relevant publications to determine if your invention is unique and patentable. The term “prior art” refers to any evidence that your invention is already known or publicly available. A comprehensive prior art search helps you identify similar inventions and assess the likelihood of obtaining a patent for your own invention.

  1. Define Your Invention: Trenner Law Firm can help you clearly define your invention by describing its unique features, functions, and benefits. This will help you identify relevant search terms and categories for your prior art search.
  2. Identify Keywords and Search Terms: Trenner Law Firm will create a list of keywords and search terms that describe your invention, including synonyms and variations of these terms to ensure a comprehensive search. We will also consider the technical field and industry related to your invention.
  3. Search Patent Databases: Trenner Law Firm will conduct a search in patent databases such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database, the European Patent Office (EPO) database, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database. We will use the keywords and search terms that were identified to find relevant patents and published applications.
  4. Review Non-Patent Literature: In addition to patent databases, we search for non-patent literature (NPL) such as scientific journals, technical papers, conference proceedings, and industry publications. These sources can provide valuable information about existing technologies and inventions.
  5. Analyze Search Results: Trenner Law Firm carefully reviews the search results to identify prior art that is similar to your invention. We pay attention to the claims, descriptions, and drawings in the patents and publications, to determine if your invention is novel and non-obvious in light of the identified prior art.

Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) Patent Searches

  • Incomplete Search: Conducting a prior art search on your own can be challenging and time-consuming. DIY searches often result in incomplete or missed prior art, which can negatively impact the patentability of your invention. Professional patent searchers have access to specialized databases and search tools, enabling them to conduct a more thorough and accurate search.
  • Lack of Expertise: Understanding and interpreting patent documents and prior art requires expertise in patent law and the technical field of your invention. DIY searches may lead to incorrect conclusions about the novelty and patentability of your invention, potentially resulting in wasted time and resources.
  • Missed Legal Nuances: Patent law is complex, and even minor errors or omissions in your search can have significant consequences. Professional patent searchers are trained to identify and address legal nuances that may affect your patent application.

How Colorado Patent Attorney Mark Trenner and Trenner Law Firm Can Help

At Trenner Law Firm, we offer comprehensive patent search services tailored to meet the unique needs of each inventor. Here’s how we can assist you in conducting a prior art search:

  • Expert Guidance: With years of experience in patent law, Colorado Patent Attorney Mark Trenner provides expert advice and guidance throughout the prior art search process. We ensure that your search is thorough and covers all relevant databases and sources.
  • Thorough Search: Our team conducts a comprehensive prior art search using specialized databases and search tools. We identify relevant patents, published applications, and non-patent literature to provide you with a complete picture of the existing prior art.
  • Detailed Analysis: We analyze the search results to determine the novelty and patentability of your invention. Our team provides you with a detailed report outlining the identified prior art and its potential impact on your patent application.
  • Strategic Planning: We help you develop a strategic plan to navigate the patenting process based on the search results. This includes advice on refining your invention, drafting your patent application, and addressing any potential legal challenges.
  • Personalized Service: At Trenner Law Firm, we understand that every invention is unique. We provide personalized service to each client, taking the time to understand your invention and your goals. Our commitment is to help you secure robust patent protection and achieve your innovation objectives.

Contact Us

Take the first step towards protecting your invention with a comprehensive prior art search. Contact Trenner Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with Colorado Patent Attorney Mark Trenner. Let us help you navigate the patenting process and secure your intellectual property with confidence.