Invalidity Search
We understand the critical importance of protecting your intellectual property assets. Our experienced team leverages design tools and extensive databases to scrutinize existing patents and literature to uncover prior art
A design patent search entails examining existing patents to confirm that your design has not already been patented. These patents also enable inventors to introduce innovative design approaches to existing products. They serve as a means of safeguarding the distinctive ornamental aspects of a utilitarian object. In situations where the aesthetic elements are inseparable from the utilitarian object, a design patent can provide protection for these ornamental features.
The Methodology of Design Patent search involves broadly scoping, understanding, searching, analysis, and reporting.
The Design Patent search project encompasses patents and published patent applications worldwide, focusing on design.
In this initial phase, we familiarize ourselves with the elements of the design.
We perform a comprehensive search on design patent and non-patent databases
Our search strategies encompass :
Keyword-based searching
Class-based searching, including Locarno/US Classifications.
Assignee and inventor-based searching.
Citation searching, to identify related design patents.
For Design patents, we harness databases like Orbit (from Questel, covering ~100 jurisdictions)., Derwent Innovation (covering ~100 jurisdictions worldwide), Google Patent, and USPTO Design Database, RCD-Online maintained by The trademarks and designs registration office of the European Union, Design View, Hague Express Structured Search for WIPO, Canadian Industrial Designs Database, IP Australia Database, Chinese Design Database.
Non-patent literature searches cover pertinent databases such as Google, Google images, Amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba, and Google Scholar, etc. to retrieve relevant prior art.
We identify the relevant design patent references on the basis of design based screening.
There are several compelling reasons to choose Effectual Services for your Design Patent search needs :
"At Effectual, we have successfully delivered 500+ Design search projects worldwide in various branches of science for gathering and analyzing the latest advancements and innovations in specific scientific fields such as biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, computer science, medical science, material science, agricultural science, neuroscience, energy science, aeronautical engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering searches etc.
As a leader in IP services, we bring proven expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to your success.
Join hands with us and experience the difference. Contact us today to explore how we can make your projects a resounding success !
Contact Us NowThe client sought design search for an innovative massage device with potential therapeutic uses for addressing a specific medical condition. They required an exhaustive design patent search to uncover any existing patents related to comparable designs.
To conduct a thorough design patent search, follow these steps: First, gain a deep understanding of the design, noting its key features and unique aspects. Next, determine the appropriate design classification, as organized by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to narrow down your search focus. Utilize various online patent databases, including the USPTO's official website, Google Patents, and specialized design patent databases like orbit. Employ keyword searches, incorporating terms describing design function, appearance, and specific elements. For visually distinctive designs, harness reverse image search tools such as Google Images to identify similar visuals through image uploads or URLs. Lastly, don't forget to explore citation searches within patent documents for references to related patents or design publications, potentially revealing additional pertinent prior art.
We were able to pinpoint several patents associated with massage devices tailored for the client's specific medical condition, enabling them to steer clear of potential infringement problems and gain valuable insights to inform the development of their massage devices.
Overall, filing design patents is a strategic move for businesses and inventors seeking to protect the unique and aesthetically pleasing aspects of their products, ensuring they remain distinctive and marketable in a competitive environment.