Preliminary novelty search

A patent will only be valid provided it is protecting a new invention. If, during a patent granting procedure, it turns out the invention already existed, the investment in the patent application will basically have been in vain. In case of doubt as to whether an invention is new, we would suggest having our Search and watch department carry out the exploratory search and carefully study the patent literature. The outcome of this search will give you a preliminary impression of whether it would be worthwhile preparing and submitting a patent application.

Investigation

Investigation will usually require one to four weeks. The estimated costs of this exploratory search will depend on time available, and can be discussed in advance with the client.

To develop a first impression of the so-called state of the art, you may visit Octrooicentrum Nederland (Netherlands the Dutch patent authority) and study the available patent literature. Or you may access the patent literature databases on the Internet. To find what you are looking for you may try several entries such as:

• key words
• classification codes
• referrals and
• applicants’ details

The experts at our Search and watch department specialise in several fields including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and chemistry and have long experience in studying and analysing patent literature.