5 Common FAQs About A Utility Patent Search With USPTO Registered Attorneys

There are several common frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a utility patent search with USPTO registered attorneys. A utility patent search report is essential if you are interested in filing for protection on your novel invention. Filing your report is one of the earliest stages in the intellectual property (IP) process, and is traditionally a part of research & development (R&D). Regardless of what industry or technology your invention is based in, you’ll want to protect them with a formal patent search report. This way, you can gain insights into competitor activity, accelerate the time to commercialization, and reduce the risk of infringement. Read on to learn the most common FAQs about a utility patent search with USPTO registered attorneys.

What Utility Patent Search Report Is

First off, you’ll need to know exactly what a utility patent search report is. A patent search is a formal examination to determine if your invention truly is new, novel, and non-obvious. This is often done to search patent originality and validity. Plus, it will help you find out what aspects of your intellectual property are patentable. Usually, a professional search is one of the first things done in the IP drafting and filing process. Certainly, think about what a utility patent search is to get started with registered attorneys.

What A Patent Novelty Search Includes

Next, find out what a USPTO utility patent search will include. For a start, a patent search offers extensive research into similar prior art references in order of more or less relevant to your application. If you want an advanced search report, it will also include a list of all European or international patent applications. In addition, it will provide official PDF copies of cited copies. Typically, these can be directly sent to you through email. Of course, you can always request hard copies if they will aid in your planning as well. Surely, you should be well aware of what your utility patent search will include.

Cost Of Utility Patent Searches

Now, you are ready to learn about the cost for patent search reports. The cost of a utility patent search can vary widely. Ultimately, final cost depends on your invention’s complexity, search level needed, as well as your chosen patent agent. Generally speaking, costs range anywhere from $300 to $1,000. This will cover extensive research into similar prior art references and pending patent applications. Indeed, factor in the cost of a utility patent search with a registered attorney.

Reasons To Get A Patent Search

At this point, it is time to figure out why and if you actually need a utility patent search. There are several reasons to get a formal patent search. For a start, these IP assets help you eliminate redundant research, as well as the risk of infringement. Plus, you can learn more about similar products, which will help to discover additional insights regarding competitor activity. If you are interested in profiting off your intellectual property, you can even employ a patent search to maximize monetization and licensing opportunities. Absolutely, you’ll want to clearly understand the reasons to get a utility patent search.

Next Steps After The Search

Also, you’ll want to know the most important steps to follow after your utility patent search service. The patent search is only the first step of your IP acquisition process. Once it is obtained, you can take the next steps to securing your utility patent application. Afterwards, it is advised to obtain a provisional patent application (PPA). This will provide you a one year “Patent Pending” status to protect your novel idea. Then, you can think about protecting the ornamental visual characteristics of your invention. This can be accomplished through a design patent application. Once all these elements are secured, you are officially ready to file and submit your utility application. Definitely, you should understand the steps to follow after a utility patent search.

There are several common FAQs regarding a utility patent search with USPTO registered attorneys. First and foremost, speak with a patent search agent about what a report actually is. Next, find out what your search report will include. Now, you are ready to learn about the cost of these formal IP documents. At this point, it is time to figure out the various reasons to get a patent search report. Also, you’ll want to know the most important steps to follow after your utility patent search. Follow the points highlighted above to learn the most common FAQs about a utility patent search with a USPTO registered attorney.