Founding Partner
When you come up with a new invention, it’s natural to want to protect it as soon as possible. But before you spend time or money filing a patent application, there’s one important step that shouldn’t be skipped: the patent search.
A proper search helps you figure out whether your idea is truly new, or if something similar is already protected. Without it, you could invest in a patent that ends up being denied or challenged. While it’s tempting to jump into a DIY search online, many inventors find themselves missing critical details that come back to bite them later. That’s where working with a patent attorney can make all the difference.
Google Patents Isn’t the Whole Picture
If you’ve used Google Patents or another free online tool, you may think you’ve covered your bases. However, there are significant limitations to those platforms.
Google’s database doesn’t always catch everything, especially when patents are classified differently or written in a way that’s hard to match with your search terms. Some patents are also filed in other countries or written in languages other than English. These might not show up in your results at all.
More importantly, keyword searches can miss ideas that are functionally similar but described using different words. And when you’re unfamiliar with how patent claims are structured, it’s easy to overlook inventions that might block yours—even if they don’t seem related on the surface.
What a Professional Patent Search Really Covers
A real patent search goes far beyond plugging terms into a search bar. When we conduct one at Gearhart Law, we take a comprehensive and thoughtful approach that covers:
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office databases
- International patent filings (including WIPO and EPO)
- Non-patent literature, like technical journals and white papers
- Related technologies that may not use the same keywords
We don’t just look for identical inventions—we look at how yours works, how it’s described, and how it compares to what’s already out there. Our goal is to help you understand whether your invention has a clear path forward, and if not, how to adjust it.
How We Catch What You Might Miss
As the inventor, you’re understandably close to your idea. That perspective is valuable, but it can also lead to blind spots. You may assume certain features are unique or overlook differences in how an invention is described.
We approach your search with fresh eyes and a legal lens. We know how patent examiners review applications, and we look for potential barriers before they do. For example, two patents may describe entirely different products, but if the core function is the same, one might still block the other.
We’ll help you see the bigger picture, anticipate possible pushback, and decide whether your invention has a strong chance at protection.
Protecting Your Time, Budget, and IP Strategy
A patent search is about protecting your investment. When you start with a full picture of what’s already been done, you can:
- Avoid wasting money on an application that won’t succeed
- Adjust your design to make it more likely to be approved
- Show potential investors or partners that you’ve done your homework
- Build a patent strategy that aligns with your business goals
The earlier you get this clarity, the better positioned you’ll be to move forward. We’re here to help you make informed decisions from day one.
Start with Confidence, Not Guesswork
Skipping the search or relying solely on Google Patents can put your invention at risk. At Gearhart Law, we know what to look for and how to interpret it. We’ll help you understand what’s out there—and how to move forward with confidence.
If you’re ready to protect your idea, let’s start with a solid foundation. Contact us today to schedule a professional patent search or learn more about how we can support your innovation journey.