Within the world of intellectual property, different types of searches may be performed depending on the needs of the client and the stage of the invention. Three common types of searches include landscape searches, patentability searches, and a freedom to operate searches. Each type of search is directed towards a different goal and therefore requires different search strategies.
Landscape searches
Landscape searches may give an overview of trends that occur within an innovation field. The purpose of this search is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state of a particular technology, and to identify potential competitors and opportunities for innovation. Patent and academic databases as well as specific company and product pages are all used to give a broad idea of technology developments occurring within a technology area.
Patentability searches
This type of search is conducted to determine whether an invention is eligible for a patent. It involves searching for prior art – i.e., any existing patents or publications – that might affect the patentability of the invention. Prior art that discloses all or part of an invention are relevant to consider performing patentability searches The purpose of this search is to help the inventor or company make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the patent application process.
Freedom to operate searches
Freedom to operate searches determine if an invention is infringing on the rights conferred by existing patents. In a freedom to operate search, the claims of active granted patents in the country/countries where the invention is to be sold are searched and compared to inventive aspects of the invention. Other types of prior art such as academic articles or sale of products are not relevant to freedom to operate searches.
As an innovative firm, McCoy Russell leverages its expertise, experience, and proprietary software to integrate information from a number of databases, including domestic, foreign, and scientific information. Please contact us to see if we can assist in your searching needs.
