Prior Art searches

Patent prior art searches are an essential tool for anyone looking to protect their invention or product. By conducting a prior art search, you can determine whether your invention is truly novel and has the potential to be patented. 

A patent prior art search is a comprehensive search of existing patents, published patent applications, and other forms of prior art (such as academic papers, journal articles, and public disclosures) to determine whether your invention is novel and has the potential to be patented. This search covers all aspects of your invention, including its composition, method of use, and design.

Patent prior art searches are important because they can help you determine whether your invention is truly novel and has the potential to be patented. If your invention is not novel, it cannot be patented, and you will not be able to protect it from infringement. By conducting a patent prior art search, you can file you patent application with a greater degree of confidence about its novelty.

Conducting a patent prior art search can be a complex and time-consuming process, but there are several steps we take to make it as efficient as possible:

1. Define your invention: Clearly define the composition, method of use, and design of your invention. This will help us focus our search and ensure that we're looking for the right prior art.
2. Search for relevant prior art: We begin our search looking for patents, published patent applications, and other forms of prior art related to your invention in national and international databases. We use PatBase, AusPat and Google to conduct our searches. 
3. Review the prior art: We carefully review each patent, application, and other form of prior art to determine whether it is related to your invention and could prevent you from obtaining a patent.
4. Consult with a patent attorney: We always recommend consulting with a patent attorney who can advise you on the best course of action in relation to prior art that may be an issue.

Monitor your search: Continuously monitor new patents and patent applications related to your product. We offer Patent Watches which allow you to receive monthly or quarterly updates with any new patents that have been published in your field of interest.