What It Is: A patentability search determines if your invention is novel and non-obvious, two critical requirements for obtaining a patent.

When to Use It:

Before filing a patent application. To assess the likelihood of obtaining a patent for your invention.

Benefits:

Saves time and money by identifying prior art that could impact your application. Provides insights into existing technologies in your field.

Freedom to Operate Search (FTO Search)

What It Is: An FTO search evaluates whether your product or process infringes on any existing patents in your target market.

When to Use It:

Before launching a product or service. When entering a new geographic market.

Benefits:

Mitigates legal risks by identifying potentially infringing patents. Helps avoid costly litigation and ensures compliance.

3. Recherche de structure chimique

What It Is: This specialized search focuses on patents related to chemical compounds, formulations, or molecular structures.

When to Use It:

When developing new drugs, chemicals, or materials. For industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science.

Benefits:

Provides a detailed analysis of chemical-related prior art. Ensures your formulation is unique and doesn’t infringe on existing patents.

Patent Validity (or Invalidity) Search

What It Is: A patent validity search assesses the strength and enforceability of an existing patent. It can also be used to challenge the validity of a competitor’s patent.

When to Use It:

When defending against patent infringement claims. Before acquiring or licensing a patent.

Benefits:

Identifies weaknesses in a patent’s claims. Ensures confidence in the patents you rely on for business strategies.

Patent Landscape Analysis

What It Is: A patent landscape analysis provides a comprehensive view of the patents in a specific technology area or industry.

When to Use It:

For strategic business planning. When entering a new technology domain or evaluating R&D investments.

Benefits:

Identifies trends, gaps, and opportunities in a technology area. Helps understand competitor activities and patent strategies.

Design Patentability Search

What It Is: A design patentability search focuses on ornamental or aesthetic aspects of an invention, such as product designs or user interfaces.

When to Use It:

Before filing a design patent application. For industries like fashion, automotive, or consumer electronics.

Benefits:

Verifies if your design is original and protectable. Prevents duplication of existing design patents.

Novelty Search Algorithms

What It Is: A novelty search is often synonymous with a patentability search, aiming to identify any prior art that may affect the novelty of an invention.

When to Use It:

During the early stages of innovation. To fine-tune your invention based on existing technologies.

Benefits:

Ensures your invention is truly novel. Lays the groundwork for a successful patent application.