A practical, informed approach
A prior art search is commonly used to surface published documents and technical disclosures that may be relevant to novelty or inventive-step assessment.
Who this service is for
Inventors, technology businesses, R&D-led organisations, universities and companies assessing or protecting technical innovations.
Typical workflow
- Clarify invention
- identify search concepts
- search patent and non-patent sources
- curate key references
- discuss findings.
Key considerations
No search can eliminate all uncertainty. The approach should reflect the technology, budget and intended use of the results.
Frequently asked questions
Who may need prior art search?
Inventors, technology businesses, R&D-led organisations, universities and companies assessing or protecting technical innovations.
What does the process usually involve?
Clarify invention → identify search concepts → search patent and non-patent sources → curate key references → discuss findings.
What should be considered early?
No search can eliminate all uncertainty. The approach should reflect the technology, budget and intended use of the results.