IP Search

A search of intellectual property is crucial should one want to register any IP of their own. As a first step, you can look at the World Intellectual Property (WIPO) website where you can choose the domain you wish to search (eg, patents, trademarks, etc).

Patent Search

Conducting a Patent Search of all existing patents relevant to a new invention provides you with the opportunity to focus your claims on the novel and inventive aspects of your invention. Your search will locate all pending and existing patents as well as all other documents and published papers that are relevant to your invention. This upfront investment returns great value in the longer term as you either avoid filing an application that would be accepted or your path to acceptance is quicker and cheaper because you can write your application with support to overcome the anticipated arguments put forward by the patent examiner.

Patent Attorney Search

After deciding that you want to file a patent application, you then need to find a patent attorney. There are a variety of sources that can search nationally and internationally for patent attorneys. A search of patent attorneys can help narrow down the correct firm or individuals in your local area who can help you prepare, file and prosecute yout patent application. You may also want to look at the filing history of a firm to determine if they have any potentional conflicts of interest because they currently service one of your competitors.