IIP Search Blogs

Innovation is the key to advancement. Whether you are an independent inventor, a new venture, or an established business, safeguarding your concepts is paramount. But prior to investing in a patent application, there is one important question to be resolved: Is your invention novel? That's where a patentability search is useful. This will help ensure that your invention stands a good chance of being patented as it identifies prior art that could undermine its novelty. In this 2025 guide, we will define what a patentability search is, why it's more important than ever, the advantages it presents, how it is done, and when to employ it. We will also include practical examples, case studies, and FAQs to illustrate its true-world relevance. What Is a Patentability Search? A patentability search , or novelty search, is the procedure of examining current patents and non-patent literature to determine whether an invention is novel and non-obvious. Patent offices such as the USPTO, EPO,...

When it comes to securing intellectual property rights, inventors and businesses face a critical decision—choosing the right type of patent search. Among the most common are the patentability search and the knockout patent search . At first glance, both may appear similar since they deal with prior art. However, their depth, cost, timing, and ultimate purpose differ significantly. This blog explores these differences in detail. We will look at when each type of search is most useful, highlight case studies, and address frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll have clarity on which search best suits your needs. What Is a Patentability Search? A patentability search is an in-depth investigation into whether an invention meets the core requirements for patent protection— novelty , non-obviousness , and industrial applicability . This type of search goes beyond a surface-level check. It examines worldwide databases, including: Granted patents Published applications Sci...

Introduction All successful innovation endeavors are built on two cornerstones: novelty and freedom from the law. Inventors therefore need to pose two questions in advance. First, Can I get a patent? Second, Can I sell without infringing on others? A patentability search provides the first answer while a freedom to operate (FTO) search provides the second. While both entail searching patent databases, they differ quite radically in goals, timing, and deliverables. This in-depth guide examines every search, reveals unseen traps, demonstrates actual case studies, and provides actionable advice for converting insights into business successes. Patentability Search Explained A patentability search, or novelty search , examines published patents, applications, and non‑patent literature globally. Its function is straightforward but essential: ensure that an invention is new, non‑obvious, and useful under patent law. Why It Matters Inventors tend to fall in love with concepts. But first, the...

Introducing a new product or brand is thrilling—until a lawyer's letter arrives at your desk. Patent Clearance searches prevent that nightmare from occurring. What each search does, when you need it, how to use it, and what can go wrong if you don't use it is explained in detail below in this guide. Why clearance searches are non-negotiable Expensive injunctions In June 2025 a Tokyo court suspended sales of Google's Pixel 7 phones following a finding of infringement of a South‑Korean patent; the suspension could affect future models as well.  Brand erasure Nestlé is attempting to cancel the "Seattle Strong" trademark just one year after registration, demonstrating how quickly a grassroots brand can be pulled into a battle with a multinational.  Confidence of the investor VCs regularly check IP risks; an uncleared mark or product can ruin a round of funding. Clearance is less expensive than litigation and allows you to do more growing rather than attendin...

Patent invalidity searches are essential weapons in the toolboxes of any company that is involved in intellectual property litigation, licensing, or competitive planning. By discovering pre-existing art that has the potential to invalidate a granted patent, companies are able to defend themselves against legal risk, stay out of unnecessary royalty payments, and counter competitors' patents tactically. This tutorial takes you through the whole process of performing a patent invalidity search in the US, from step-by-step procedures to legal principles, tools, best practices, and examples. What Is a Patent Invalidity Search? A patent invalidity search is tasked with finding prior art that can be employed to attack the enforceability of a pending or granted patent. In contrast to a patentability search, which is carried out prior to filing for a patent, an invalidity search is conducted after a patent has been issued—typically in legal battles or IP dealmaking. In the U.S., a patent ...