The First Step: Search at the Patent Office Website
As soon as an idea takes shape, start with a search at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website (www.uspto.gov). It is likely that patent documents will show features of the invention or inventions used for the same purpose. If the invention is not exactly the same as what is found on this website and has benefits that may have commercial value, we recommend a professional patent search at the USPTO before filing an application. Have a patent law firm conduct the search. The search should be promptly followed by a patent application.
Next Step: A Professional Search at the USPTO
The USPTO is the best place to conduct the patent search. The Examiner's Automated Search Tool (EAST) system is available at the USPTO. It includes issued U.S. and foreign patents and published patent applications. Face-to-face consultations with the U.S. Patent Examiners can help in conducting a patent search.
Interpreting Patent Search Results
Knowing how to interpret the results in accordance with the legal standards requires specialized expertise. This is why we recommend that the USPTO search be conducted by a patent law firm such as ours.
Professional Expert Assistance
Litman Law has the technical and legal abilities to conduct a patent search and evaluate the results. Our staff includes registered patent attorneys and agents, and many former patent examiners. Our Chief Patent Officer was a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Director. Our search practice is managed by a patent practitioner who is a former U.S. Patent Examiner.
Location. Location. Location.
Our strategic location in Northern Virginia near the Patent Office is a real plus for our clients. It enables us to conduct patentability searches efficiently. Over the last 25 years Litman Law has conducted more than 30,000 patent searches at the USPTO.
What the Search Includes
We will use the EAST system used by the U.S. Patent Examiners and look at issued patents and published patent applications -- both U.S. and foreign -- that are available at the USPTO. We willlook for patent documents that show inventions that are the same as the searched invention or show features of the invention. We will provide information about what we find in our search report.
Flat Fee Service
Our patentability search is provided on a flat fee basis, rather than at expensive hourly rates. If you are an educational institution, nonprofit, small business or independent inventor, our charge for a search is $500.00 -- which includes our electronic report. Our search fee for large businesses and for registered patent practitioners is $1000.00. Typically, we can complete the search within 2-3 weeks. The search can be expedited for an additional $300.00 charge. Our affordable service allows clients to benefit from the patent system without making a significant investment in this important, first step.
Confidentiality
The confidential information and material you provide to us about the idea will be maintained in complete confidence, in accordance with the attorney-client relationship.
What You Need To Do
Take the next step: entrust our law firm to conduct your U.S. and foreign patent search at the USPTO. You can start your patent search by submitting your request online. Or, return the search request form by toll-free fax or by mail.
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To receive free information on patents or if you have any questions, contact us via our secure Contact Form. If you would like us to conduct a patent search for you, please submit your request via our secure Patent Search Request Form.
