IP/Patent Search Services: Methods of Research

Database Searching

We perform in-house research to locate relevant U.S. and foreign patents, documents, articles, brochures, theses, dissertations, etc.

Manual Searching at the United States Patent and Trademark Office

A manual search includes a review of patents and published patent applications classified in a particular class or subclass, or across multiple areas covering the technology in question, along with personal consultation with Patent Examiners.

Library Searching

Library searching includes the Library of Congress, the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, as well as local technical libraries and those at the University of Maryland, George Washington University and Georgetown University.

Searching with Foreign Associates

We have relationships with foreign associates in leading intellectual property countries, especially in Europe and Japan. These associates range from attorneys to patent agents.

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Patentability / Prior Art / Novelty Search

We identify prior art references that either alone or in combination are material to the patentability of an invention. Search results may include published applications and issued patents, both US and foreign, as well as non-patent literature. Our experienced search professionals highlight segments of particular relevance. Estimates are provided with turnaround time. Average Price: $500 to $1000

Validity Search

We identify prior art references that may be used alone or in combination to contest the validity of the claims in a patent or patent application. We also review the file history. Search results may include published applications and issued patents, both US and foreign, as well as non-patent literature. References disclosing the claim limitations are included in the results, and we highlight the relevant segments that relate to the claim elements. Estimates are provided with turnaround time prior to starting. Average Price: $500 to $10,000

Infringement Search or Non-Infringement Search

We identify a proposed product to patents and published applications having claims that may read on a proposed product. Prior to conducting the search, we work with you to establish the elements of the product or service that should be considered for infringement. We then conduct a search, identify relevant patents, and highlight claims within these patents in the search report. Estimates are provided along with turnaround. Average Price: $500 to $5,500

Clearance Search or Freedom to Operate

We identify patents and published applications that may pose an infringement risk to your product or service, as well as expired patents that may indicate that your product or service is in the public domain. Estimates are provided along with turnaround time. Average Price: $500 to $5,500

Prior Art Search or State of the Art Search

We identify patents, published applications and other references in a specified technology area. The scope of the search may be broadened or narrowed based on your requirements. Our experienced search professionals filter the results based on these requirements. Estimates are provided prior to starting. Average Price: $500 to $3,500

Collection Search

We identify patents, published applications and other references in a specified technology area. The scope of the search may be broadened or narrowed based on your requirements. Our experienced search professionals filter the results based on these requirements. Estimates are provided along with turnaround time prior to starting. Average Price: $800 to $2,000