Prior Art Search vs. Patentability Search: Key Differences Explained
Introduction When developing a new invention, it is crucial to understand how to assess its uniqueness and potential patentability. Two essential searches help with this: prior art search and patentability search . While these terms are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes in the patenting process. A prior art search identifies existing technologies and publications related to an invention, whereas a patentability search determines whether an invention meets patent criteria. This guide explores these searches in detail, including their differences, methodologies, costs, benefits, and real-world applications. By the end, you’ll know which search best suits your needs and how to leverage them for a strong patent application. What is a Prior Art Search? A prior art search examines all publicly available knowledge to determine if an invention already exists. This includes patents, academic papers, technical disclosures, industry standards, a...