The Benefits of an Early Patent Search
If you are working on a new technological invention or improving an existing technology, you know that the creative process can be time-consuming and expensive. Staying on top of the demanding logistics and details involved in your development is essential. Still, monitoring external market factors that could impact your success is equally important. By continuously assessing the market you are entering, you can make more informed decisions and increase your chances of success.
Conducting a patent search with IP law professionals is one of the most significant early steps to take when working on new technology. From your technology’s conception to its launch, every piece of knowledge you can gather from a patent search can go a long way. Here are some benefits of starting a patent search early on.
Identify competition, trends and developments
A patent search is extremely useful in identifying any external competition, trends, and developments in the field you’re working in. A detailed patent search can also provide an exhaustive list of existing patents and patent applications and companies and individuals working in your field. In addition to this, a patent search can help you:
See what is possible for your technology with real and tangible information.
Clearly identify all your possible competition and even track the patents they have been granted.
Identify patterns to see what routes are beneficial or unproductive for your technology.
Gather insight and resources
The key reason you should conduct a patent search early is to understand the opportunities for obtaining your own patent protection. A thorough search will identify whether there is any aspect of your technology that could warrant protection. Our role as a patent lawyer is to help you assess whether any such aspect would be of value to your business.
Additionally, insight from other companies working on similar products is highly beneficial when working on a new invention or innovation. A patent search contributes a range of insights into the research process that can help you save a lot of time and money. It can help you:
Discover new partnerships (ex., Licensing new ideas from existing patents or licensing your concepts to existing players in the industry).
Find helpful information in advance that can help you refine your ideas.
Help you find technical solutions.
Orient you to new ideas or ways of problem-solving.
A basic preliminary patent search can be conducted online via the Canadian Patent Database or in person at the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). While you can perform a primary patent search yourself, a more comprehensive and effective search is best done with the help of a trained IP law professional specializing in patents. Although you may gather the fundamental data required to prepare and file a patent application, working with experts will enable you to identify, arrange, and compile all necessary information systematically, which is crucial for maximizing the likelihood of success in obtaining an issued patent. Moreover, technical expertise and guidance will make the process more streamlined and hassle-free and enhance your chances of successfully obtaining a patent.
Athena Innovation & Legal
Do you require assistance from a professional to file a patent or any other legal document? We can guide you through the technical aspects of the process. Click here to schedule your consultation today.
**The information provided herein is a general background of contractual, technology and intellectual property law concepts. It does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Athena Innovation & Legal, nor the author, make no express or implied representations or warranties in respect of the information, including but not limited to the accuracy of the information.**
