PRIOR ART SEARCH

What is a prior art search?

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An invention is eligible to receive a patent only if 

1. It covers patentable subject matter

2. It is novel

3. It is not an obvious combination of pre-existing inventions

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A prior art search reveals whether (or which portions of) the invention is truly novel and truly non-obvious, in light of all published literature (including patents, technical papers, products, manuals, even university theses). 

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For new inventions, prior art search helps you determine how likely is it that your invention (or portions thereof) will receive a patent.

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For existing patents, prior art search helps you challenge their validity (for example, through an Inter Partes Review at the Patent Trial and Appellate Board).

Experts at Copperpod bring with them decades of patent research and patent litigation experience to help attorneys defend clients during patent infringement cases and evaluate patentability of new invention. Our no-stone-unturned approach helps you not just find the perfect prior art, but also fully understand the state of the art. We also help invalidity experts understand, document and prepare their expert reports.

Our prior art search covers more than 100 patent office databases around the world - including European, Japanese, Chinese and Korean patents - as well as all major non-patent literature and product databases.

10 Prior Art Search Mistakes That Undermine Your Inter Partes Review

An Inter Partes Review (IPR) is a trial held before the USPTO’s Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) to cancel specific claims of a patent on a ground that could be raised under §102 or §103, and only on the basis of prior art consisting of patents or printed publications.