SEARCH & ANALYTICS

AI-powered IP services tackle your needs from invention (killer searches, patentability) to protection (infringement search, EPO charts) with deep dives into competitor landscapes and patent analysis (freedom to operate, technology watch). We also handle design protection, accelerated approvals, and strategic moves like patent acquisition and monetization.

SEARCH

KILLER SEARCH

When it comes to intellectual property (IP), a “killer search” is a thorough and precise search carried out to uncover prior art that can potentially invalidate an already-issued patent or prevent an upcoming application from being granted a patent. It tends to be used as a defensive measure before submitting a patent application to guarantee the uniqueness and non-obviousness of an invention, or during patent litigation to challenge the validity of a rival’s patent claims.

KNOCKOUT SEARCH

In patents, a knockout search involves a preliminary examination to identify any existing patents or prior art that may pose obstacles to the patentability of an invention. It serves as an initial screening process to assess the viability of pursuing a patent application by flagging any glaring conflicts or similarities with existing patents. Conducting a knockout search early in the patenting process helps inventors gauge the likelihood of success and make informed decisions about proceeding with their patent application.

PATENTABILITY SEARCH

An extensive examination is carried out to ascertain if an invention is novel and non-obvious and, thus, suitable for a patent. This process is known as a patentability search. This search looks for previous art that could have an impact on the invention’s capacity to be patentable by sifting through published patent applications, current patents, and other public records. By confirming that their invention satisfies the legal requirements for novelty and inventive step, inventors might avoid expensive rejections by doing this search prior to filing a patent application.

STATE OF THE ART SEARCH

A “state of the art search” is an in-depth analysis of current technologies, procedures, and practices in a particular field to determine the most cutting edge and practical solutions that are currently obtainable. Through an analysis of the state of technology, companies have the ability to identify areas for innovation, predict changes in the market, and stay ahead of the competition in their respective fields.

PATENT INVALIDATION SEARCH

A search for prior art that may consider an existing patent’s claims invalid is known as a patent invalidation search, and it is quite thorough. This kind of search is usually carried out to make sure no enforceable patents are violated, which would support a party’s case in court or pave the road for the creation of new products. It examines prior patents, published works, and additional sources to contest the uniqueness or originality of the patented invention.

OPPOSITION SEARCH

During the pre-grant or post-grant opposition stages, an opposition search is carried out to find records and previous art that may be utilized to contest the legality of a patent application or an already-issued patent. For businesses hoping to safeguard their market interests and steer clear of future legal disputes by preventing potentially conflicting patents from being awarded, this kind of search is essential.

FREEDOM TO OPERATE (FTO) SEARCH

Analysing granted patents and patent applications is known as a Freedom to Operate (FTO) search. Its goal is to ascertain whether a certain action—like commercializing a product—can be carried out without violating the lawful intellectual property rights of third parties. In order to reduce legal risks and make sure that a new product or service may be introduced without having to worry about being sued for infringement, this search is extremely important.

DESIGN SEARCH

When a company wants to protect a new design, it searches for patents that already exist that could be comparable to the new design. Before submitting for a design patent, this search is essential for assessing the uniqueness and novelty of a design to make sure it doesn’t violate any already-registered designs.

ACCELERATED EXAMINATION SEARCH

An accelerated examination search is part of a process that aims to expedite the patent examination procedure. This type of search involves preparing a pre-examination report detailing prior art and other publications relevant to the patent application to assist examiners in quickly assessing the patentability of the invention.

INFRINGEMENT SEARCH

To find out if a procedure or product might violate any active patents, an infringement search looks through the existing patent portfolio. In order to prevent any lawsuits for patent infringement, companies must perform this search before introducing a new good or service.

EOU/CLAIM CHART PREPARATION

Evidence of Use (EOU) or Claim Chart Preparation involves mapping specific claims of a patent to corresponding features in existing products or technologies to demonstrate infringement or compliance. This detailed analysis is crucial for litigation, licensing negotiations, and valuation of patents.

STANDARD ESSENTIAL PATENTS

Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) are patents that are necessary to comply with a technical standard. These patents must be licensed under Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory (FRAND) terms to ensure widespread access to the standardized technology, facilitating industry compatibility and interoperability.

POTENTIAL LICENSEE SEARCH

A search for possible licensees finds businesses or people who might profit from licensing a specific patent or technology. Patent owners may increase the amount of money they generate from their intellectual property assets by using this search to identify potential partners with whom to enter into licensing agreements and monetize their IP.

ANALYTICS

TECHNOLOGY SCOUTING SERVICES

Technology scouting services involve proactively identifying emerging technologies, innovative products, and potential partnerships across industries and global markets. These services help companies stay ahead of technological trends and competitive dynamics, ensuring they can seize opportunities for growth and innovation in a timely manner.

TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE

An extensive summary of the technologies used in a certain field, including their present status, recent advancements, important actors, and potential future directions, is given by a technological landscape. Organizations may make informed judgments about investments and strategic planning by using this study to better understand the competitive landscape.

TECHNOLOGY WHITESPACE ANALYSIS

An extensive summary of the technologies used in a certain field, including their present status, recent advancements, important actors, and potential future directions, is given by a technological landscape. Organizations may make informed judgments about investments and strategic planning by using this study to better understand the competitive landscape.

PATENT WATCH

A patent watch is an ongoing surveillance program that follows recently released patents and modifications to the legal status of patents in particular technical domains. Companies who exercise this diligence are better able to defend their intellectual property, reply to patents filed by rivals, and keep up with emerging technologies.

DUE DILIGENCE

Due diligence in a business context involves a comprehensive appraisal of a business or its assets, performed by a prospective buyer or investor to confirm all relevant facts and financial information. In IP transactions, this includes verifying the ownership, validity, and enforceability of IP assets and assessing any related legal risks.

MISCELLANEOUS

PATENT PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS

A methodical examination of a company’s patent portfolio is known as patent portfolio analysis, and it is intended to evaluate the patents’ present worth, strategic fit, and possible hazards. By using this methodology, businesses may maximize their intellectual property assets for a competitive edge by making well-informed decisions on patent development, maintenance, and divestment.

PATENT ACQUISITION

The term “patent acquisition” describes the act of acquiring patents from another party, frequently in order to expand a business’s intellectual property portfolio, improve its product line, or break into untapped areas. To guarantee that the patents are legitimate, enforceable, and in line with the company’s commercial goals, this calculated approach necessitates extensive due diligence.

PATENT RANKING SERVICES

A number of factors, such as technological significance, legal strength, and commercial potential, are taken into consideration by patent ranking services when evaluating and rating patents. With the help of this service, businesses may prioritize their resources and concentrate on the patents that have the most strategic significance.

REVERSE ENGINEERING

In reverse engineering, a system or product is disassembled and examined to learn about its architecture, functionality, and design. This procedure is frequently employed to foster creativity in product creation, enhance current products and provide insights into opposition goods.

PATENT LICENSING AND LITIGATION SUPPORT

Patent licensing and litigation support encompasses the advisory and administrative services provided to manage patent licenses and assist in legal disputes. This includes negotiating license agreements, monitoring compliance, and providing expertise in litigation cases to protect or challenge patent rights.

PATENT MONETIZATION

Patent monetization refers to the process of generating revenue from patents through licensing, selling, or enforcing patent rights. Strategies include identifying potential licensees, negotiating licensing deals, and pursuing infringement claims to maximize the financial returns from IP assets.

UPC OPTOUT SEARCH

A UPC Opt-Out Search is a service to help patent holders identify and evaluate their European patents and applications that might be subject to the Unified Patent Court’s jurisdiction. This search assists in deciding whether to opt-out from the UPC system to avoid centralized litigation risks.