Generally, the process of obtaining patent protection begins with a patent search, through which it is determined whether there are any other similar inventions that have already been patented.  Our current fee for the patent search and a full patentability opinion is $1,200 (subject to a $300 surcharge for chemical, software and business method inventions). This fee includes both the fee our search firm charges as well as our time in analyzing the discovered references in light of your invention and then formulating our thorough opinion on the potential patentability. Our clients typically find this service extremely helpful, as it both gives us a good predictor of the chances of obtaining a patent (including how broad or narrow of a patent) as well as helps us strategize on how broadly or narrowly to draft the associated patent application on your invention. The turnaround time for reporting our patent search findings is typically 2 weeks.

The patent search is directed essentially to previously filed patents and patent applications both in the U.S. and through certain international offices (PCT and EPO).  While our searches typically do not include Internet searches, business and trade directory searches and other such research (due to the prohibitive costs involved), it is usually the case that a search of prior patents will turn up the best evidence of earlier invention of the same or similar subject matter.

If as a result of our patent search we are able to conclude that your invention is likely patentable and you elect to move forward, we can typically get a full non-provisional patent application on file within 6 weeks time, or a provisional or design patent application in even less time.

If the cost of our patent search service seems a little high for your budget, we encourage you to perform your own search to the best of your abilities first, using websites such as Google Patents or the USPTO Database. These will not be exhaustive, by any means; but they are a great first step that you can do yourself for free to try and "knock out" your invention.

If, after you perform your own search, you are unable to find anything similar to your invention, or even if you do and you now need help in determining whether your invention is potentially patentable in light of the discovered prior art, feel free to call 949-250-5800 or email us to schedule your FREE initial consultation, during which we can assist you further and answer any follow-up questions that you may have.