Types of Patent Research

Patentability/Prior Art/Novelty Search –
This determines if prior art exists that would prevent an idea or invention from being patented. Kramer & Amado’s attorneys, patent agents and technology specialists search for any pre-existing documents that a patent examiner would likely use against a patent application during examination. The search may uncover relevant documents including U.S. and foreign patents, published patent applications and non-patent printed publications such as thesis papers and dissertations.

Validity Search –
This research determines the validity of an issued patent by locating any prior art documents or references that would invalidate the claims of interest. This search focuses on documents predating the priority date of the patent in question. Kramer & Amado’s staff also reviews the file history to best understand the points of novelty.

Infringement Search –
This research compares a client’s proposed product, method or idea to non-expired U.S. patents and determines whether any patent claims read on the client’s proposed product or method. The search uncovers relevant U.S. patents and published patent applications, and can be expanded to include foreign patents and patent applications.

Clearance Search –
A clearance search is similar to an infringement search, but also uncovers expired prior art documents. Clearance searches are also referred to as freedom-to-use, freedom-to-practice or right-to-use searches.

State-of-the-Art Search –
A state-of-the-art search is conducted when a broad, general inventive concept still must be given a final, more precise embodiment. Based on the broadness of the proposed product, idea or method, Kramer & Amado’s staff may uncover a large number of references ranging from U.S. patents to published patent applications and can be expanded to include foreign patents and non-patent publications.

Collection Search –
A collection search locates U.S. patents still in force, published patent applications and also expired patents now in the public domain for the specific subject matter.