UK Patent Search | London IP

Protecting your potential invention starts with conducting a UK patent search, a crucial first step. Whether you are thinking of filing a patent or exploring patents, a thorough search helps you understand what’s already out there.

At London IP, we offer expert patent search services to help you navigate UK and international patents. Our searchers are extremely experienced with all types of searches and have access to commercial patent databases that have advanced search functionalities.

Why Conduct a UK Patent Search?

Identify Similar Inventions

Before filing a patent application, it is preferable to determine if your concept is unique as a patent can only be granted for something that is considered new and inventive. A patent search helps your identify similar ideas or technologies already protected by one or more patents.

Avoid Infringement

By searching existing patents registered in the UK and other jurisdictions, you can reduce the risk of infringing on others’ intellectual property.

Save Time and Money

A thorough patent search helps your avoid wasting money on filing an application for an invention that may already exist. It can help you focus any application on the most inventive feature(s).

Support Your Patent Application

If your search suggests that your idea is unique, you will be able to more confidently proceed with a patent application and are less likely to encounter serious problems.

Types Of Patent Searches

There are three main types of patent searching:

Patentability Searching

This is to find out whether or not your idea is new and to assess the chances of obtaining patent protection. A pre-filing patentability search provides useful information that helps the patent attorney draft the subsequent patent application in a way that maximises the likelihood of a patent being granted.

‘Freedom-to-Operate’ Searching

This form of search is to determine whether or not you are likely to be liable for patent infringement if you proceed with certain actions, such as making and selling a product or using a process.

Invalidity Searching

A patent search aims to uncover information that supports challenging a specific patent, whether in response to an infringement claim or to assess the potential for using the patented invention.

What Does a UK Patent Search Involve?

A UK patent search involves a review of the patent databases to try to identify patents and patent applications that disclose ideas that are the same or similar to your potential invention. It also includes international databases to ensure a broad coverage.

You typically perform the following activities when conducting a patent search:

Keyword Search: Using relevant keywords related to your invention, our team will search through patent databases to find similar patents or patent applications.
Patent Classification Search: We can also look at patent classifications and categories to identify inventions in similar technological fields.
Analysis of Results: After completing the search, we provide an analysis of the results. This includes identifying potentially conflicting patents, which could affect your ability to patent your invention.

Patent Search Costs

The cost of a UK Patent search depends on the type of search being done and the subject matter of the search. Some searches need to be more comprehensive than others. Searching is never entirely conclusive, as it is possible to continue searching indefinitely without being sure that all relevant information has been found.

Free patent searching by keywords and other data can be done on the espacenet database and also on Google patents.

If you have the time and inclination to do so, you may wish to perform a free patent search before spending money on a professional search.

Why Choose London IP for your UK Patent Search?

At London IP, we have years of experience helping inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses protect their intellectual property. Our patent attorneys have extensive knowledge of UK and international patents. They aare committed to providing accurate, efficient patent search services.

How Can a Patent Attorney Help?

A patent attorney plays a crucial role in the patent search process. Here’s how:

Expert Guidance: Our patent attorneys understand the technicalities of patent law. They can offer valuable insights into the search process, helping you interpret the results accurately.
Tailored Search: Our patent attorneys conduct a search tailored to your invention, considering the technology and within budget that you allocate for searching.
Patent Filing Support: We assist you with filling a patent application with the UK Patent Office and other jurisdictions after the search to ensure your protect your intellectual property well.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a patent search?

A patent search is the process of searching through patent databases to find existing patents or patent applications that may be similar to your invention. This helps you assess the novelty of your idea and avoid potential infringement.

Why is patent searching important?

Patent searching helps you assess your invention’s patentability, avoid costly errors, and lower the risk of infringing on other patents. It also provides insight into your idea’s market potential.

How do I perform a UK patent search?

You can perform a patent search using the espacenet database and Google patents. However, we recommend consulting a patent attorney for a thorough search and expert advice on the search results.

How long does a patent search take?

The time needed for a patent search depends on the technology’s complexity and the extent of the search that you commission.

How much a does a UK patent search cost?

The patent attorney primarily determines the cost of a patent search based on its purpose, scope, and the results uncovered during the process. For example, an initial patentability search may cost a few hundred pounds, whereas an extensive multi-jurisdictional freedom-to-operate search may cost several thousand pounds.

Start Your Patent Search Today

If you’re considering a patent application, a patent search is a good first step to try and find out if your invention is unique. At London IP, our expert patent attorneys will guide you through the process and help you move forward with confidence.