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Patentability Search vs. Freedom to Operate Search: Distinctive Differences

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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...
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Trademark vs Patent Clearance Search – What Do You Need? | IIP Search

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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...
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Location: Texas, USA
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How to Do a Patent Invalidity Search in USA: Detailed 2025 Guide

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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 ...
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Location: Texas, USA
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How Accurate Are Novelty Search Results for Inventors?

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For inventors, understanding whether an idea is truly "new" is foundational to the patenting process. The first step in this journey is often a novelty search, also known as a patentability search . This search aims to uncover prior art—previous patents, publications, or publicly available information—that might conflict with an inventor's proposed idea. But how reliable are these searches? Can they be trusted completely? What factors affect the quality of the results? And what are the real-world implications of faulty or incomplete searches? This article answers all these questions using real examples, tips and tricks, and FAQs to provide inventors with a clear, actionable insight into novelty search reliability. What Is a Novelty Search and Why Is It Important? A novelty search determines whether an invention is new under patent law. It aims to find any prior art that discloses elements of the invention. If a single document publicly available before the filing date rev...
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Location: Texas, USA
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What is a Patent Infringement Search? A Complete Guide for Innovators and Businesses

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In the economy of innovation today, the potential to unwittingly infringe on another party's patent exists. Launching a new product, expanding into a new market, or licensing technology is no exception. Knowing the landscape of patents is key. A patent infringement search ensures your product or technology doesn't depend on any patent rights that already exist. Let's spell it out in simple terms—what it is, how to do one, and why you need it. Introduction to Patent Infringement Patent infringement is the use, manufacture, or sale of a patented invention without authorization. The infringement is not necessary to be intentional; use even without intent can attract lawsuits. For instance, if a startup creates a wearable health monitor with a novel sensor that copies a patented pattern, the firm can be sued—even if they did not know about the patent. Patent infringement cases can be costly, time-consuming, and reputational damage. Others result in multimillion-dollar settleme...
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Location: Texas, USA
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How AI Is Transforming Technology Scouting Services | IIP Search

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how businesses discover, evaluate, and adopt emerging technologies. In the past, technology scouting involved manually reviewing patents, research publications, startups, and news—often taking weeks or even months. Now, the AI compresses this timeline into days or even hours. AI enhances technology scouting by automating data analysis, identifying patterns, forecasting market movements, and delivering actionable insights. It empowers R&D, corporate strategy, and M&A teams with faster, data-backed decisions. Let’s explore how AI is redefining the technology scouting landscape, the specific benefits it brings, key tools in the market, and how enterprises are putting it into practice. What Is Technology Scouting? Technology scouting is the process of identifying and tracking emerging technologies that align with an organization’s strategic objectives. It connects companies with innovation opportunities—be it through par...
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Location: Texas, USA
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