Many inventors believe that they know all the ideas or inventions in their particular area of expertise and that there is no need to search out similar inventions. Most often they are wrong. A patent or patentability search can go a long way toward solving this problem.

There are a number of different types of searches. It is possible to perform a search yourself on the internet or at a Patent Depository Library, but it is usually better to hire a professional search company to perform the search as it is very difficult for an amateur to know where to look.

Typically, the search company will be provided with a description and sketches of an invention and the company will search out and make a report citing other inventions which appear to be relevant to patentability. Some search companies will give an opinion as to patentability, but in many cases the inventor or a separate patent professional will give that opinion based upon the findings of the search company. Of course it will never be possible to know ahead of time exactly how any application for patent will be treated by the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).

The cost of a patent search can vary widely depending upon who does the search and the extent of the search. Some searches cover only previously filed patents and others may cover unpatented devices as well. In addition, a search with an opinion regarding patentability will cost more than a search alone. Searches can run from around $500 to $3,000.

A patent search can provide benefits in addition to finding similar inventions. They can provide some insight into the types of inventions the PTO is willing to allow patents upon in the general area of the invention. An inventor may also get new ideas for improving or adapting her invention from other similar inventions previously patented. Most importantly, however, it is better to spend $500 on a search to find out that your invention is not patentable than to spend $3,000 on a patent application and then find out that your invention is not patentable.