Prior Art Search — Clarity Before You File
Purchase DetailsThis prior art search service combines your invention description with a structured, experience-driven review of both patent databases and web content. The goal is to give you a clear, practical view of what’s already out there, where your concept may fit, and how you might position future patent filings or product decisions.
After Purchase, you’ll receive a one-time use document ID. Use that document ID on this page to submit your invention details, context, and goals. You’ll receive an Engagement Letter by email shortly after submission, and I will then prepare a customized prior art search report—typically within about 1–2 business days—and email it to the address used at checkout.
How This Prior Art Search Service Works
Follow these steps to move from raw idea to a structured, written prior art search report you can use for product development considerations, planning, investor conversations, and future patent strategy.
-
Purchase your one-time use document ID Purchase a document ID for the prior art search. Each document ID is linked to a single invention or project.
-
Review the Engagement Letter Before submitting your details, review the engagement terms: Engagement Letter. A completed copy will also be emailed to you once your submission is received.
-
Submit your document ID and invention details Use the form on this page to enter your document ID and paste in your invention description. You can also include context such as target users, competing products you’re aware of, and specific questions you’d like the report to address (for example, “How crowded is this space?” or “What claim directions might be promising?”). Your contact information was already collected at checkout. The Engagement Letter and your completed prior art search report will be emailed to that same address.
-
Receive your Engagement Letter by email After your form is submitted with a valid document ID, you’ll receive an Engagement Letter by email confirming the scope of the prior art search service. This serves as the engagement record for the work to follow.
-
I research, analyze, and prepare your prior art search report I will conduct a targeted patent and web scan around your concept, review the most relevant material, and prepare a written prior art search report. This typically takes about 1–2 business days after submission, depending on complexity. The completed report is then emailed to you as a document you can review, share, and build on.
Prior Art Search Submission Form
Use this form to enter your document ID and paste in your invention description and any additional context you’d like considered. The depth and clarity of what you provide directly shape the usefulness of the report.
Prior Art Search FAQs
A prior art search report is a written summary of what appears in a targeted review of both patent literature and web content related to your invention. It highlights relevant patents, published applications, and online materials, along with commentary on how they relate to your concept.
The report is designed to be practical and readable, giving you a clearer sense of how crowded the space is, what kinds of solutions already exist, and where your idea may fit within that landscape.
While each report is customized, it will typically include:
- A summary of your concept as understood from your submission.
- A list of selected patent and web references with links where available.
- Brief commentary on how those references compare or relate to your idea.
- Observations about apparent white space, differentiation, or possible claim directions.
- High-level thoughts on potential next steps from a patent-strategy perspective.
No. The prior art search report is not a formal patentability opinion or a freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion, and it does not guarantee that any future application will be allowed or that a product will avoid infringement risk. Instead, it is an informational, strategy-oriented tool to help you understand the existing landscape and to support better decision-making about potential filings and product directions.
In most cases, the prior art search report is prepared and delivered by email within about 1–2 business days after you submit the form with a valid document ID. Very complex technologies or unusually broad scopes may take slightly longer, and if that happens, I’ll let you know.
Many inventors and startups use a prior art search as an early step before investing in full patent drafting. It can help you:
- Decide whether to move forward with a provisional or non-provisional filing.
- Identify which aspects of your concept seem most differentiated.
- Shape conversations with co-founders, investors, or internal stakeholders.
- Refine your product roadmap or feature prioritization based on what already exists.
If you choose to move forward with a patent application after reviewing the report, we can then discuss appropriate drafting options and next steps.