Patent Searches

(Image of Tracy Jong's Logo)

Patentability Searches

A patentability or a prior art search for an invention provides an inventor with some insight into existing technology that seems similar or related to the invention. A patent search often provides a potential patent classification and a list of US patent references to assist the inventor in assessing the potential patentability of the invention in the United States.

Patentability searches typically include U.S. patents and published patent applications, and in some cases, non-patent literature. Patent searches are provided by experienced and trained lawyers, patent agents, scientists, and engineers specially trained in performing patent searches. They personally analyze the technology at issue, read the patent references, and conclude what patents or published applications are most relevant to your invention. Typical costs for a patent search for a simple mechanical device is $400-$700, depending on the number of references identified and studied in the search. (These searches generally consume 4-8 hours of professional time.)

Freedom to Operate/Product Clearance Search

A freedom to operate search provides an extensive review of patent literature so as to identify obstacles and barriers to entry of a product in a particular national market. These searches generally consume 10-40 hours of professional time, depending on the complexity of the invention, how populated the field is with competitive technology, and the number of references identified and studied in the search. The search is performed based on specific aspects of a product/technology in a particular market. The claims of relevant patents (identified in the search) are studied in light of the specific aspects of the product/technology.

State of the Art Search/Landscape Search

State of the art searches reveal patents and technologies in a particular field and can provide a basis for making critical business decisions. This information may be useful if a company is considering entry into a particular new product line or technology area. These results can also be used as a navigation framework for product and process design. The search reveals published papers, studies, and non-patent literature in a technology area, as well as patents and published patent applications around the world.

Technology Environment Analysis (Competitive Intelligence)

Expert analysts identify and study patent portfolios relative to activity in the marketplace for a particular technology area. Studies are customized to meet the client’s needs and objectives.

Patent Validity Search

A patent validity search attempts to uncover patents or other published prior art that may render a patent partially or completely invalid to invalidate an in-force patent (thereby allowing a company to practice that technology without infringing the other patent or paying royalties to the firm that holds the rights to the patent).

To schedule an appointment, call (585) 247-9170 or e-mail

For inquiries related to patent drawings, call (585) 615-5240 or e-mail