USPTO patent search services

The patenting process begins before applying for a patent

Clients:
Tupperware
Yale University School of Medicine
Tiffany & Co.
CNOOC Limited
The Boston Consulting
        Group

Do a patent search before you apply for a patent

US patent trademark office patent searchDon't waste time filing a patent for an invention that has already been claimed! With a professional patent search, you can begin the invention patenting process knowing that your new idea is eligible for patent protection. A patent USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) search is part of the comprehensive intellectual property services offered by Cad Crowd's network of expert patent attorneys.

The USPTO patent search is an essential early step in the product development cycle. A comprehensive and reliable patent search is strongly advised before investing too much time and resources in a new invention. The patent search result will give you the information you need to proceed properly with the development process. 

Cad Crowd recommends you download and fill out an invention disclosure Form to begin. This way, you can get your thoughts in order about your invention. Get down on paper what your invention is all about, what it can do, and other necessary information to search for similar inventions on the USPTO patent search system. Do not forget to include sketches of your invention and provide as many variations as possible.
 
Over the years, the process of searching for patents has changed considerably. The internet has simplified the patent search process, and patent searches can be done on the USPTO website.  We advise clients to undertake a preliminary search online, but this should only be the first step. Take advantage of a professional USPTO patent search after ruling out the obvious with your preliminary search. This is because thousands upon thousands of registered patents are in the UPSTO system, filed using the arcane language of intellectual property law. To search through them reliably and effectively requires a considerable degree of experience and knowledge. The modest cost of a professional patent search is preferable to starting your entire patent application process from the beginning if you miss something in your search that an expert would have caught.

Because it has become so easy to do a preliminary search, we typically offer patent search services as a follow-up and include it in the quote for our patent drafting services. Cad Crowd still offers complete patent searches for clients who don't wish to do their preliminary USPTO search. The cost of a complete patentability search of US patents and published applications starts at $1,000 for a simple mechanical invention, with higher fees for more complicated patents. Contact us for an estimate for a more precise quote.
 

PCT and foreign material

An additional charge of 50% of the base fee is applied for searches that go beyond US patents published in the USPTO system. This includes EPO, foreign applications, and records of published PCT. This cost includes the initial consultation, a report of the search results, a patentability opinion, and a consultation after the search should the inventor requests it.  

Please allow 3-4 weeks for a complete patent search.

Rush patent searches

Rush USPTO searches can be arranged for clients who need faster service. We believe we can offer better services when we interact with the client before and after performing a search, so we only advise rush services to those for whom timing is a major issue. We can arrange for a service in Washington to perform the search to provide results in about two weeks. You can expect slightly higher costs for rush services.
 
Please note that our patentability searches only search for patents affecting the invention's patentability. Validity opinions or clearance and infringement opinions are more expensive and time-consuming. These services are available upon request if you are concerned about potentially infringing upon existing patents.

Ready to start the patenting process? By using the USPTO patent search tool, inventors can find out if their invention has a good chance of being patented, stay updated on the latest developments in their field, and better understand their competition in the market. Get an estimate now from our network of expert intellectual property lawyers. We also offer legal services and opinions on trademarks, utility patent services, and copyrights