Patentablility Search
A preliminary search is commonly performed before filing any patent application in order to determine whether an invention is patentable. A patentability search aims to discover any issued “prior art” patents which preclude patentability because the invention has already been patented, or because patented subject matter is so similar to the invention at issue the likelihood of patentability is diminished. A patent attorney normally uses the information found from the search to render an opinion as to the probability of success for securing patent protection.