Patentability Search
At Citius Minds, we have a two-level novelty search process to help clients develop their invention ideas and ensure they are ready to file patent applications. It is designed to be cost-effective for innovators at all stages, without forgoing the detail of the usual, more expensive full report services.
Level 1: Quick-Level Filtering
The first tier of our novelty search is designed to give a snapshot of existing prior art general in nature, to inform the original inventor whether the invention is indeed new.This allows clients to think and evolve their invention ideas in view of the existing art.
Key Benefits:
* Provides a more affordable option for early-stage inventors.
* The process is efficient and economical.
* Assist clients in gaining clarity on what they are protecting, and determine if they want to draft and file a patent application.
* Spotting likely overlaps with the established prior art at this very early point allows inventors to modify and improve their invention, so the chances of a successful patent application are maximized.
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Level 2: In-Depth Analysis
Our novelty search (Level 2) offers comprehensive and in-depth analysis of each candidate prior art to prepare a strong and solid patent application.
Goals: The purpose of this tier is to provide practical insights to draft patent claims in view of the identified prior art.
Key Features:
* An in-depth analysis on the novelty, inventive stage, and non-obviousness of the invention.
* All known prior art be mapped to relevant claim elements.
* Strategic guidance on how to strengthen the patent application and format claims in the best manner.
In-Depth Reporting and Insights
Our final report includes a comprehensive review of the invention and prior art landscape, such as:
* In-depth Prior Art Analysis: An in-depth examination of each relevant prior art along with notes on relevance and impact.
* Patent challenges: contingent upon novelty, inventive step and non-obviousness
* Strategic Recommendations: Improvements to claim language, invention scope, and rebutting possible patentability barriers, as per client’s needs.
Why Citius Minds for Novelty Searches?
The fact that we are available on two different levels means clients get customized solutions for every step needed for their invention. Whether you have a nascent idea or are ready to embark on a full patent filing, Citius Minds offers the experience, resources, and knowledge required to bring your innovation to its full potential
Set sail on the patent journey with Citius Minds and make the competitor nervous with our two-level novelty search services.
Case Study
“We had been under the impression that we were the first ones to think of the idea. As it turned out, we were not even the tenth. Consultants from Citius Minds helped us restructure our idea to get it patented, saved us at least a couple of millions that we had already invested in research."
Head of Research & Development–A Multinational Corporation
Challenge:
A multinational corporation desired to check whether the invention they have come up with was patentable or not. The invention disclosed a mobile phone power management system, such that a computer logic was used to switch off the display screen when it didn’t fall in the user’s line of sight for a specific duration of time. The client believed that their invention was novel and wanted us to verify if they could get it patented so that they can later launch a product on its basis.
Execution:
Our team thoroughly investigated the disclosed invention to understand the technology and novel features of the invention. A ‘Same-Page Document’ was shared with the client for sharing the team’s understanding of the important features of the invention. This document included key features of the invention based on team’s understanding, several representative term-sets and important US, IPC, CPC, etc. classifications, which could potentially be used in conducting the patent search. We used several paid and free patent databases to formulate exhaustive key strings using different term-sets to list the patents (filed globally) similar to the disclosed invention. The team shortlisted several relevant prior-art based on their similarity with the features of the invention and a detailed report including ‘element-wise’ color coded mapping of key features with relevant description of prior arts was prepared.
One of the shortlisted prior art was very similar to the client’s invention. It disclosed an interactive portable gaming module having an OLED touchscreen with power management capabilities. The module kept checking the interaction of the user by tracking his/her eye with the help of an imaging device. The module automatically switched off the screen, paused the game and muted the background music if the user was not keeping his eye on the screen for a specified duration of time. This invention broadly disclosed all the features of the client’s invention, hence, our team suggested the addition of a tilt sensor for power management along with the line of sight logic based on our research in the technology domain. The tilt sensor was incorporated in a way that, while calling operations, the logic would determine the user’s line of sight and the tilt sensor would gauge the movement of the sensor. This further improved the efficiently of the power management system for the mobile device.
Impact:
Our client was able to showcase all the prior arts similar to the disclosed invention to their R&D team using our detailed report. The color coded claim mapping also helped the R&D team to understand the similarities and differences between the identified prior arts and the invention. The addition of the feature of tilted sensor enabled the client to improve the efficiency of their overall energy management system, get their invention patented and save a huge amount of money that they had already invested in research and manufacture of the product based on the invention.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is a patentability search?
A patentability search is an in-depth investigation that aims to determine whether an invention is new (novel) and non-obvious, two critical criteria for obtaining a patent. It involves searching through existing patents, publications, and other publicly available information to find prior art that might impact the patent application process.
2. Why is a patentability search important?
Conducting a patentability search before filing a patent application helps to assess the chances of obtaining a patent. It minimizes the risk of rejection by the patent office, saving time and resources. Additionally, it provides inventors with a clear understanding of existing technologies, helping them refine or adjust their invention to enhance the likelihood of successful patent protection.
3. How long does a patentability search take?
The time required for a patentability search typically ranges from 1 to 2 weeks. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the invention, the technology involved, and the scope of the search. We aim to provide thorough and accurate results within a reasonable timeframe to ensure the client can proceed confidently.
4. What databases are used in a patentability search?
At Citius Minds, we use a combination of global patent databases such as USPTO, Espacenet, and Derwent Innovation, as well as non-patent literature databases including scientific journals, technical papers, and public disclosures. This comprehensive approach ensures that all potential prior art is considered.
5. What information is needed to conduct a patentability search?
To perform a thorough search, we require detailed information about your invention, including its technical specifications, functionality, and intended applications. Providing a clear and detailed description allows us to conduct a more targeted and effective search.
6. Can a patentability search guarantee that a patent will be granted?
While a patentability search provides a strong indication of the likelihood of obtaining a patent, it cannot guarantee success. The patent office’s decision may also consider other factors, such as the way the claims are drafted or objections raised during prosecution.
7. How does a patentability search differ from a novelty search?
Both searches are similar, but a patentability search not only looks for novelty but also focuses on the non-obviousness criterion, which is crucial for patent approval. Non-obviousness means that the invention should not be an obvious improvement to someone skilled in the field.
8. What are the costs associated with a patentability search?
The cost of a patentability search varies depending on the complexity of the invention and the scope of the search. At Citius Minds, we provide competitive pricing based on the specific needs of each case and offer custom quotes to ensure transparency.
9. Will the search cover international patents
Yes, our searches cover both domestic and international patent databases. While patents are territorial rights, conducting a global patentability search is essential to identify any prior art published worldwide.
10. Can I conduct a patentability search after filing a patent application?
While it is advisable to conduct a search before filing, conducting one afterward can still be beneficial. It can provide valuable insights for drafting responses to office actions or amending claims to avoid potential prior art that the patent examiner might cite.