Determine the Patentability of Your Invention
Before investing in a patent application, it’s important to confirm whether your invention is likely to qualify for patent protection. This process, called a patentability search (sometimes referred to as a patent search), goes beyond simply checking if someone else has invented the same thing. It evaluates whether your idea meets key legal requirements, such as:
- Novelty – your invention must be new, not already disclosed in prior patents or publications.
- Non-obviousness – your invention can’t be an obvious variation of something that already exists.
At Larson & Larson, we conduct in-depth searches of U.S. and international patents, analyze similarities to your invention, and give you clear guidance on whether moving forward makes sense.
What’s Included in Our Patent Search Service
Our legal team will guide you through a comprehensive review process, including:
- Initial consultation to understand your invention and its unique features
- Thorough search of U.S. and international patent databases using multiple methods (keywords, classifications, and relational searching)
- Analysis of prior art to compare your invention against similar patents
- Clear recommendations on whether your invention appears patentable
- Strategic advice on how to refine or position your invention for stronger protection
We don’t just hand you a stack of search results. We interpret the findings and explain what they mean for your invention, whether that’s moving forward with a patent, refining your idea, or considering other forms of protection.
Timeline and Fees
Patentability searches are typically completed within 2–3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the invention.
Our fee for a patentability search typically falls within a set range ($2,700 to $3,700), with the exact amount determined after we learn more about your invention and the scope of prior art that will need to be reviewed. We’ll provide a clear quote before moving forward so you know exactly what to expect.
Every search includes both the professional search itself and a written legal opinion on your likelihood of obtaining a patent.