:: SERVICES

:: PATENT SEARCHING

The Law Office of Peter G. Korytnyk is dedicated to providing the highest-quality searching services for its clients. We understand that the accuracy of a patentability, clearance, or validity opinion hinges on the quality of the search results provided. We also appreciate that critical investment decisions are made on the basis of our search results. These important considerations are taken into account with every search we conduct.

We believe that our combination of technical and legal knowledge is critical in consistently achieving the highest-quality search results:

• We are experts at maximizing the extensive searching capabilities of the Universal Public Workstations used in the Public Search Facility at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• We are experienced at examining and prosecuting patent applications, giving us valuable insight into the intricacies of analyzing patent documents and interpreting claim language that very few searchers possess.
• We possess technical degrees and experience searching in various fields of science and technology. We will not undertake any searches until we intimately understand the subject matter of the search.
• We contact at least one patent examiner who is experienced in the subject matter at issue to guide us in accurately ascertaining the field of search.

Our firm concentrates upon performing the following types of searches:

Patentability/Novelty

Patentability or Novelty searches locate prior art closest to the particular device, process, or composition being searched. Patentability searches help determine whether a particular device, process, or composition is sufficiently novel to warrant going ahead with a new patent application. Patentability searches are also helpful in determining the scope of the claims when drafting a new patent application.

State-of-the-Art

State-of-the-Art Searches locate prior art that provides a general overview of a particular technology area in order to gain an understanding of the cutting-edge prior art. State-of-the-Art searches are similar to Collection searches except that judgment is exercised in selecting the prior art that provides the general overview of the particular technology area.

Collection

Collection searches locate all prior art relating to a particular technology area being searched and show the evolution of the particular technology area. Collection searches involve an investigation of both expired and unexpired patents. They are not restricted to the state-of-the-art.

Infringement

Infringement searches locate U.S. Patents and U.S. Patent Application Publications having claims that might read on a particular device, process, or composition being searched. The goal of Infringement searches is to determine if any unexpired patents would bar the manufacture, use, or sale of the particular device, process, or composition being searched. It generally involves an investigation of unexpired patents. However, an Infringement search may include a search of expired patents if it is determined that it might result in locating prior art that is similar or identical to the device, process, or composition being searched, or to obtain reassurance why no new protection has been granted.

Clearance

Clearance searches locate U.S. Patents and U.S. Patent Application Publications covered by an Infringement search. In addition, Clearance searches locate expired patents or other relevant prior art now in the public domain that may provide a safe harbor for a particular device, process, or composition being searched.

Validity

Validity searches determine the legality and enforceability of an issued patent. The goal of Validity searches is to find prior art that predates the filing date of the issued patent and that might invalidate one or more of its claims.

Non-Patent Literature Searches

Upon request, we can conduct searches of publications beyond those available at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Our non-patent searching expertise extends to Internet-based literature, searching at various libraries in the Washington D.C. area, such as the Library of Congress, University of Maryland, George Washington University, and Georgetown University, and working with foreign search companies and foreign associates in various countries.

We Work With You

Our search reports can be customized to suit your needs. These reports can be as simple as a list of the located patents. Alternatively, we can provide you with a thorough expert analysis which includes highlighting the patent documents central to your area of concern. The search report as well as copies of the located patent documents can be provided electronically via our secure Client Center, via e-mail, on CD-ROM, or in paper format. The search report and patent copies can be shipped via FedEx® and U.S. Priority Mail®.

Turn-Around Time and Rush Services

In addition to providing the highest-quality searches, we also provide one of the fastest turnaround times in the industry. Almost every search is shipped to the client within 8-10 business days of receipt. If you would like results in 5 business days or less, Rush services are available. Our Client Center allows our clients to securely download and view their search results immediately.

Custom Searching

Do you have special search requirements? Contact us. We are always ready to help.