Why is this step crucial?

  • Prevents Patent Rejections: By conducting a comprehensive prior art search, potential obstacles can be identified before filing the patent application. This allows making necessary adjustments, thereby minimizing the risk of rejection by the patent office.
  • Define the breadth of the claims: Understanding the prior art before drafting the patent application helps decide on the extent of technical details that can be claimed.
  • Enhances Market Potential: A patent that meets the novelty and inventive step criteria is more likely to hold up against challenges and provide a competitive edge. It can also increase the value of the patent in the eyes of investors or partners.
  • Saves Time and Resources: A prior art search helps avoid wasting time and resources on pursuing a patent application for an invention that may already exist.

At SciTech Patent Art, we understand the importance of a thorough and meticulous prior art search. Our approach is designed to ensure that the subject invention stands the best chance of being granted a patent and holds strong market potential.

Our Comprehensive Approach

  • Customized Search Strategies: Every invention is unique, and so are the challenges one faces during the patenting process. At SciTech Patent Art, we tailor our search strategies to capture all the relevant aspects of the invention.
  • Access to Extensive Databases: We utilize a wide range of patent and non-patent databases, including subscription databases, global patent office databases, scientific journals, technical reports, and industry publications. This allows us to perform a truly comprehensive search that leaves no stone unturned.
  • Expert Analysis: Our team of patent professionals and technical experts carefully analyze the search results. With a deep understanding of both the legal and technical aspects of patenting, we provide a detailed evaluation of the novelty and inventive step of the invention.
  • Identification of Closest Prior Art: We identify the closest prior art references that could impact the patentability of the invention. By understanding the scope and content of these references, we help assess the potential challenges and refine the claims if necessary.
    • What can be considered prior art?

The prior art is content that has been publicly disclosed before the filing date of the patent application or before the invention was made, depending on the jurisdiction. The prior art must have been available to the public in a manner that an ordinary person skilled in the art could access and understand it. Prior art includes any public disclosure such as patents, published patent applications, scientific papers, websites, public demonstrations, products on sale, or any other publicly accessible information.

    • Basis for considering prior art on novelty grounds

The claimed invention is deemed to lack novelty if the prior art discloses every element or feature of the claimed invention. If the prior art contains all the elements of the invention arranged in the same way as claimed, it is considered anticipatory and can destroy the novelty.

    • Basis for considering prior art on non-obviousness or inventive step grounds

The claimed invention is deemed to lack inventive step or be obvious to a person skilled in the art, if prior art teaches, suggests or motivates combining known elements or teachings in a way that leads to the claimed invention. In other words, if the variations between the claimed invention and the prior art are minor or predictable, the invention may be deemed obvious.

  • Detailed Reporting: Our prior art search reports are clear, concise, and comprehensive. We provide a full analysis of the prior art identified, along with recommendations on how to proceed. This helps make informed decisions about the patent application.