Patent Search

A patent search is a systematic investigation of existing patents, patent applications, research papers, and public disclosures to determine whether an invention is novel and non-obvious — the two foundational requirements for patentability. Conducted before filing a patent application, the search serves as a reality check: it identifies prior art that could block or limit the scope of your patent, highlights the strength of your inventive step relative to existing technology, and informs your patent strategy (whether to file, how broadly to claim, and which jurisdictions to target). Our Indian patent search covers the Indian Patent Office database (InPASS/Indian Patent Advanced Search System), as well as international databases including the USPTO, EPO (Espacenet), WIPO (PATENTSCOPE), and Google Patents. The search methodology includes keyword-based searches, classification-based searches (using the International Patent Classification system), and citation-based searches (forward and backward citation analysis of relevant prior art patents). For technical inventions, we also search non-patent literature — academic journals, conference proceedings, and technical publications — because these are equally relevant prior art. The deliverable is a detailed patent search report that includes: a summary of the most relevant prior art found (typically 5-15 references), a claim-by-claim novelty and obviousness assessment, a patentability opinion (patentable, patentable with limitations, or not patentable), and strategic recommendations for proceeding with the patent filing. The report helps you make an informed decision about whether to invest in the patent application process.

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