Patent Research Services

Validity searches are used to establish the legality of an issued patent for an infringement defense or thoroughly inspect a patent before assignment or license. The claims of the subject patent are compared with active prior art references published before the filing date of the subject patent. References correspond to the independent claims in the subject patent. Includes a search report, a claims comparison chart (up to two selected claims), full text and images, family of patents, abstracts and legal history of cited prior art on CD-ROM.

A Right to Use Search includes an infringement search in addition to expired patents that may provide a 'safe harbor' a specific product, process, or service. Right to Use Searches address both infringement and patentability concerns. Includes search report, full text and images, family of patents, abstracts and legal history of cited prior are on CD-ROM.

Infringement Searches are used to determine to locate any unexpired patents that would bar the manufacture, use, or sale of a specific product, process or service. We search for unexpired patents that have restrictive claims that would present a bar to manufacture, use, or sale. Includes search report, full text and images, family of patents, abstracts and legal history of cited prior art on CD-ROM.

Patent landscape research combines the state-of-the-art of a technology field with an in-depth study of the patent coverage to determine viable future research and business development paths. This search includes our standard search report as well as a comparison of the features identified with each patent.

State of the Art Searches provide an overview of a technology area. We search for references that show functionally equivalent means of accomplishing a similar end. Results are representative of cutting-edge prior art that is typically unexpired. Includes search report, full text and images, family of patents, abstracts and legal history of cited prior art on CD-ROM.

Our search report includes the US and IPC classes and subclasses searched as well as the search strategy used for all text searching of both patent and non-patent literature. We include a listing of all external databases referenced in the course of the search. This format is suitable for inclusion in a pre-examination search document as outlined by the USPTO.

Due to the current processing of Accelerated Examination/ESD Searches by the USPTO we conduct our searches in three steps:

1. Initial Search: This is an extended version of our novelty search that includes both literature and a sample Pre-Examination Search Document in Microsoft word format. This allows the attorney to modify the Pre-Examination Search Document to include other information relevant to the case. We request a copy of the application, including the claims.
2. Update of Search (if required): We strongly recommend an update to the initial search based on any changes made to the disclosure and claims. The final application and claims may cover additional material that was not initially considered of the highest relevance by the searcher. We review the disclosure and search for any additional patents of note.
3. Response to Examiner (Supplemental AESD/ESD) (if required): A supplemental AESD/ESD is required if the claims have been amended such that the previously filed AESD/ESD no longer covers each of the claims. We review the concerns expressed by the examiner and modify the search accordingly, supplying a modified search report and new Pre-Examination Search Document.

More Details on Accelerated Examination Search

Collection Searches show the evolution of a specific technology within a specific date range. Collection searches are not restricted to the state of the art, and typically include both expired and unexpired patent references. Includes search report, full text and images, family of patents, abstracts and legal history of cited prior art on CD-ROM.

Patent Novelty Searches are intended to provide a general overview of the art for a particular invention. These searches are adequate for providing patentability opinions and submitting invention disclosure statements when filing patent applications. Includes search report, full text and images, family of patents, abstracts and legal history of cited prior art on CD-ROM.

Enabling non-patent publications can stand as prior art in the same manner as a published patent. We provide non-patent literature searching through DIALOG and other online resources. Citations and abstracts (when available) of relevant publications are provided on CD-ROM. Paper copies upon request. Full text of publications with "clearance for use" costs available upon request. Estimate $45 per full text document with copyright clearance.

We search for foreign patents and publications classified within the International Patent Classification in addition to the foreign patents available through the USPTO and online database resources. Additional database costs may be applicable in authorized databases. Results provided on CD-ROM. Paper copies upon request.

We search chemical structures in 200+ databases in science, technology, business, and patents using STN International's Chemical Abstract Database. Estimate provided upon review of disclosure. Quote for hours and database costs based upon estimate; authorization of estimate required before proceeding with full search. Results provided on CD-ROM. Paper copies upon request.

Each CD-ROM includes our search report, claims comparison chart (Validity search only), full text and images of cited patents, family of patents for each cited patent, abstracts, legal history of cited prior art, and citations and abstracts (Non-patent Literature Search only). Bibliographic information for most patents published after 1976.

Search USPTO database to locate active, pending, and/or abandoned word marks similar in sight, sound or meaning.

Search for specific logo or design. These searches also include complex marks, such as combinations of letters, numbers and/or shapes. Estimate 3-6 hours based upon complexity of mark.

These files are ordered from the USPTO and manually copied. The USPTO turnaround time may vary. We deliver each file wrapper history organized and secured with pronged fasteners and cover sheet. File wrapper histories can be transferred to CD-ROM format in our office upon request. File Wrappers filed within past two years are provided by the USPTO in CD-ROM format only and are priced at the USPTO fee for the CD-ROM plus $30.

Certified copies of documents are obtained from the USPTO. The PTO turnaround time may vary.

Assignment and Inventor documents are obtained from the USPTO.

Documents can be delivered to locations within the USPTO within one day of receipt.