"THE FIRST STEP"
Start With A Search
As an inventor, you are searching the Internet for the best way to protect your idea and ultimately take it to market. Before you license or manufacture your product, you know that it is important to safeguard your idea by seeking patent protection. You may have been strongly advised to have a Patent Attorney or Agent assist in preparing your patent application. That is good advice, but do you know that every reputable Patent Attorney or Agent will have a professional patent search* performed before even giving you an opinion as to whether your idea is patentable?
See in USPTO WebsiteAt National Patent Services, the essential First Step is our specialty.
Patent Searching Is A Skill
As you can see on the US Patent and Trademark Office web page for independent inventors: "Conducting a thorough patent search is difficult, particularly for the novice. Patent searching is a learned skill."
See in USPTO WebsiteSince 1994, our experienced search team has built a reputation among patent attorneys and patent agents coast to coast as the undisputed price leader among the leading professional search firms.
A Thorough Search Must Be Performed on Site At The USPTO
Our location in northern Virginia gives us onsite access to the same powerful research database (EAST) that the Patent Examiners will use when they examine your application. Now, as a bonus for locating our webpage, you can order a professional search directly from us at the same fee we charge our attorney and corporate clients. Once you receive your search results, you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.
Starting With A Search Can Save You Money
We can not stress strongly enough just how crucial it is to avoid at all costs those "invention companies" that claim to offer assistance in obtaining lucrative licensing and marketing deals as well as patent advice, often with large retainers and other fees required. Remember, The First Step is ALWAYS a professional search to ensure that you have started the patent process on the right foot at minimal initial expense. Often the first search results are discouraging in that we may find a patent that is very close to your invention. But look on the bright side -- in that case, then you have invested only $395 (average complexity mechanical search fee) and now have very useful information to take back to the drawing board. On the other hand, if you find the search results encouraging, you can contact a patent attorney of your choice or we can refer you to one of our many highly-qualified attorney or agent clients to get your patent application process underway. Either way, our task is complete -- there are no hidden costs or additional steps. National Patent Services has completed the essential first step for you.