Stage 2: Patent Novelty Searches

Novelty Search

Conducting a novelty search of prior art patents is valuable since it provides you with an indication of whether a patent application for your invention will be allowed by IPA.

We can direct IPA to carry out what is known as an International Type Search (ITS) on your invention after the filing of a provisional patent application. An ITS should provide an indication of whether your invention is new, although the search should not be considered to be exhaustive. We are also able to use the results of the ITS to draft a more focused PCT International Patent Application.

Prior art searching can also be performed prior to filing a patent application, albeit not as cost effectively as an ITS. Whilst it is likely that both of these searches will identify relevant results, neither of these searches is thorough or exhaustive.