How to Find a Patent Search Firm
Inventors seek to protect their works by seeking a patent. A patent prevents others from legally using those inventions so that the original inventor can profit from his work. Those seeking a patent must have a new invention that is not already recorded. Both online and offline patent databases exist to find recorded patents. Patent search firms or intellectual property law firms start the patent process by conducting a search for existing patents. Inventors should hire experienced firms that fit their personal search requirements and have access to all online and offline resources necessary to run a thorough search. Otherwise, the inventor may face additional expenses if his proposed patent is rejected.
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Instructions
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Compile a list of patent search firms and law firms that may also perform searches. PatentLawLinks.com provides a list of firms with websites. Click on the Patent Search/Document Firms link or the Patent Law Firms link from the main page. Make a record of contact details for each firm from which you can get follow-up information.
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Prepare materials that describe in detail the purpose of the search. Knowing exactly what the goal is will allow an inventor to find a firm that fits his personal needs.
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Determine the type of desired search. According to TPRInternational.com, firms may search for a variety of patent information, including inventor, patentability, invalidity and state-of-the-art searches. Find a search firm from the compiled list that can perform the desired search.
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Find a firm from the compiled list that can perform both manual and online searches. According to TPRInternational.com, some patent searches produce better results with manual searches.
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Ask for references from previous clients. Actual clients can provide leads to other search firms and information on a firm's professionalism and customer service.
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Make the final decision on which patent search firm to hire after finding a best match based on the firm's type of services and information from references.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a patent search firm based on the geographical scope of the desired patent. Some firms search only in the firm's home country, but others perform worldwide searches.
Ask about pricing. Some firms charge a minimum regardless of the time spent on the search, so tailor the choice of firm based on price comparisons and available funds. Inform the firm about all search requirements and ask for a quote before authorizing the search.
Patent searches require a fee regardless of the results. An inventor who finds that someone else already patented his idea will still owe the firm. Therefore, do not hire more services than necessary to run a search.
Do not attempt to run a do-it-yourself search with online resources. These patent databases may not contain all the patents relevant to a particular search.
