| A patent search helps determine the merit of filing a patent application.
A preliminary search can sometimes reveal other patents that could block
a patent on your invention, saving you the expense of preparing an application
that would not issue.
Procedure After a discussion with the inventor, or a review of written material, the search can start. I perform a key-word search on a database of patent abstracts. For many inventions this search is effective at locating 5-10 prospects. Sometimes no relevant patents are found, especially for new technologies or really unique inventions. Once the patents are received, in about 1-2 weeks, two copies are made of each, and a copy sent to the inventor for his review. We then discuss them, and a final decision is made to file or not to file the application. Invention Disclosure Statement (IDS) Within 3 months of filing the application, I will prepare an invention disclosure statement (IDS) listing the patents we found. The IDS will be mailed to the patent office along with a copy of the patents found. These patents will be listed on the front cover of any patents that issue from your application. The examiner will review our patent references before starting his search, which can often speed processing by familiarizing the examiner with our technical field. Charges A flat fee of $ 500 will be invoiced to you for the search, plus actual copy costs. Actual copy costs run about $3 a patent, and $2 for a second copy.
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