Sometimes various limitations make performing an extensive clearance search difficult, often due to resource constraints on time and/or money. However, before embarking on the patent process, a little assurance that there is no “smoking gun” in the prior art that anticipates an invention is still a value proposition for the entrepreneur. In the event that a “silver bullet” is found in the search that reduces the economic desirability of pursuing patent protection or the venture altogether, significant resources can be diverted to other activities, rather than going through a patent application process that could prove to be futile.

Our targeted quick-searches serve just that purpose – identifying “bull’s eye” prior art that can be showstoppers with regard to patent protection. Based on the same approach as our informed search strings, targeted quick-searches are limited in breadth and depth of the search to focused inventive aspects of the invention. By narrowing the search parameters to the essential elements, we can efficiently search the prior art for dead ringers in a limited amount of time.

At FlashPoint IP, targeted quick-searches can be performed promptly to provide valuable information in a tight timeframe, supplying a snapshot of the competitive landscape as a viability check for any red flags. While by no means comprehensive, targeted quick-searches can be a worthwhile option to consider when the alternative is to start the process blind, with no knowledge of the prior art. Contact us to find out more about FPIP patent searches.