Prior Art Searches

We reduce uncertainty before every decision.

Prior art searches (also known as state-of-the-art searches) in the patent field are analyses carried out before filing a new patent application, aimed at verifying whether an invention, or equivalent technical solutions, are already known, disclosed or protected by third parties.

They consist in the systematic consultation of the main patent and technical-scientific databases, on an international scale, in order to ascertain:

• the existence of earlier patents, patent applications or relevant publications;
• the state of the art in the relevant technical field;
• the actual novelty and inventive step of the invention.

Freedom to Operate (FTO) searches, on the other hand, are aimed at verifying whether a new product, technology or process can be marketed in a given territory without infringing existing third-party rights.

Finally, in the field of trademarks, prior art searches are aimed at identifying any other trademarks already filed, registered or used de facto, that are identical or similar to the trademark of interest, in the relevant territories and classes of goods and services, and which could represent an obstacle to its registration or use.