Patent search. Before you file.
Patent search identifies prior art that could affect your patentability. Done before filing, it can save significant money by avoiding doomed applications. Free tools (USPTO, Google Patents) + paid professional services.
Start here.
USPTO Patent Public Search, Google Patents.
$500-$2,000. More thorough; legal opinion possible.
Patents are classified by USPC and CPC schemes. Helps narrow search.
For provisional filing where you want priority date fast. Risk vs cost tradeoff.
Prior art that could prevent patenting your invention.
The full picture.
Why search before filing
Identifies prior art that could affect patentability. Helps refine claims to maximize chance of grant. Avoids spending $10k-$30k on doomed applications. Saves time and frustration.
Patent classification systems
US Patent Classification (USPC): older system, still indexed. Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC): newer, used by US and EPO. Patents are classified by subject matter; narrows search to relevant categories.
Free tools - USPTO Patent Public Search
patentcenter.uspto.gov. Updated continuously. Search by text, classification, applicant, inventor, date, status. Free.
Free tools - Google Patents
patents.google.com. Includes US + many international. Friendly interface. Free.
Free tools - EPO Espacenet
espacenet.com. European Patent Office search. Includes US + worldwide patents.
Search strategy
Identify keywords that describe your invention. Identify classifications. Search both free tools. Look at competitor patents in your space. Read referenced prior art in candidates you find.
Professional search services
Patent search firms ($500-$2,000) provide more thorough search and legal opinion. Useful for complex inventions or where high stakes warrant professional analysis.
What you find vs what you do not find
Search finds patents and published applications. May not find: pending applications not yet published (18-month rule); prior art outside patent literature (academic papers, products, blog posts).
When to skip search
For provisional applications where you want priority date fast and accept the risk. Some inventors do quick keyword searches and proceed. Risk vs cost decision.
Common questions.
Should I do a search before filing?
Free vs paid search?
What is USPC?
What is CPC?
How long does a search take?
Will search find unpublished applications?
Do I need to disclose what I find?
Can I use AI tools for search?
Need IP protection?
Patents (through our attorney network). Trademarks (we file). Copyright registration (we file). IP assignment templates (free).
Patent law is highly specialized. Professional patent attorney advice is essential for filing.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.