Patent Search Services for Inventors & Businesses Across the USA
Patent search and prior art analysis services for software, medical, mechanical, and technology innovations. We help inventors, startups, and businesses make informed decisions before filing a patent application, launching a product, or addressing intellectual property challenges.
What Is Included in Our Patent Search Services
Our patent search services are designed to give inventors, founders, and businesses clearer visibility into the prior art landscape before making important intellectual property decisions.
Patentability Search
A focused review of existing patents, published applications, and non-patent literature to help assess whether your invention may qualify for patent protection.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Search
A review of active patents that may pose infringement risk to a product, service, or technology you intend to commercialize in the United States.
Invalidity Search
A targeted prior art search aimed at identifying references that may challenge the validity of a specific patent, often used in litigation, or post-grant proceedings.
Patent Landscape Analysis
A broader review of patent activity within a specific technology area, useful for strategic planning, R&D direction, and competitive positioning.
Competitor Patent Monitoring
Periodic review of patent filings by competitors and key industry players to keep clients informed of relevant developments in their space.
Patent Claim Development
Claims play a critical role in defining the scope of protection. We focus on building strategically structured claims aligned with the invention and commercial objectives.
Search Report Preparation
Documented search results, methodology, and analysis, structured to support decision-making and to help meet duty of candor obligations with the USPTO.
Patent Search Built for Your Industry
Medical Devices
Medical device innovations often involve complex technical and regulatory considerations. We support patent search and prior art analysis for medical technologies, healthcare systems, diagnostic tools, and related innovations.
Mechanical Devices
Mechanical inventions require precise functional and structural analysis. We assist inventors and businesses with patent search work for mechanical systems and engineered products.
Transportation
Transportation innovations often combine engineering, automation, and system-level functionality. We support patent search work for transportation-related technologies and products.
Software & Technology
Software-related patent searches require careful classification strategy and technical interpretation. We support patent search work for software platforms, systems, applications, and technology-based solutions.
Clean Energy
Innovation in renewable and sustainable technologies continues to grow rapidly. We support patent search and landscape analysis for clean energy and environmentally focused technologies.
Consumer Products
From product functionality to structural innovation, we support patent search across a wide range of consumer products and market-ready inventions.
Our Step-by-Step Patent Search Process
Initial Consultation
We begin with a confidential discussion to understand your invention, product, business objectives, and the purpose of the search.
Classification & Strategy Development
We identify relevant CPC and USPC classifications, key terms, and citation pathways to structure the search strategy.
Review & Analysis
Identified references are analyzed for technical relevance, claim overlap, and potential impact on patentability, freedom to operate, or validity.
Search Scope Definition
Our patent search lawyers work with you to define the technical scope, key features, and parameters that will guide the search.
Prior Art Search Execution
We conduct the search across patent databases, published applications, and non-patent literature relevant to the technology area.
Search Report & Recommendations
We prepare a structured report summarizing findings, key references, and recommendations to help inform your next steps.
Types of Patent Searches We Conduct
Patentability Searches
Focused on evaluating whether an invention may be considered novel and non-obvious in light of existing prior art.
Freedom-to-Operate Searches
Designed to identify active patents that may present infringement risk for a product, service, or technology being brought to market.
Invalidity Searches
Aimed at locating prior art that may impact the validity of a specific patent, often used in litigation, licensing, or post-grant proceedings.
Landscape & Competitor Searches
Broader analyses of patent activity in a particular technology area or by specific competitors, used to inform strategic and commercial decisions.
Why Choose Sleman & Lund LLP
Patent Search Backed by Technical & Commercial Understanding
At Sleman & Lund LLP, our US patent search attorneys approach every search work with both legal context and commercial strategy in mind.
Multi-Industry Experience
We provide patent search services across software, medical, mechanical, transportation, clean energy, and consumer product industries.
Classification & Citation-Based
Methodology
Searches are conducted using classification structures, citation analysis, and technical interpretation, not keyword searching alone.
Technical and Business Perspective
Our search work is framed to support both legal decision-making and broader commercial strategy.
Collaborative Process
We work closely with clients to define search scope and interpret results in the context of their goals.
Long-Term IP Thinking
Search results are framed to support not only immediate decisions, but also long-term intellectual property positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a patent search?
A patent search is a structured review of existing patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature relevant to a particular invention, product, or technology area.
What is the difference between a patentability search and a freedom-to-operate search?
A patentability search evaluates whether your invention may qualify for patent protection. A freedom-to-operate search evaluates whether your product or technology may infringe active patents owned by others.
How long does a patent search take?
The timeline depends on the search type, technology area, and depth of analysis required. Our US patent search lawyers provide an estimated timeline at the outset of each engagement.
Do I need a patent search before filing a patent application?
A patent search is not legally required before filing, but it can help inform filing decisions, support claim drafting strategy, and identify potential challenges early in the process.
Can I rely on a free USPTO database search instead?
Public USPTO databases are accessible to anyone. However, the quality of search results often depends on classification strategy, citation analysis, and technical interpretation, which can be difficult to apply without patent search experience.
What does a patent search report include?
Search reports typically include identified references, search methodology, and analysis relevant to patentability, freedom to operate, or validity, depending on the type of search conducted.
Can a patent search guarantee patent approval?
No patent search can guarantee approval. Patent searches help inform strategy and identify relevant prior art, but examination outcomes depend on USPTO review of the application as filed.
Do you work with inventors across the USA?
Yes. We work with inventors, startups, entrepreneurs, and businesses to provide patent search services throughout the United States.
Ready to Make
Informed Patent Decisions?
Whether you are preparing to file, evaluating a product launch, or assessing the strength of an existing patent, a thorough patent search can help guide your next steps with greater clarity.
Discuss your search needs confidentially and understand the right approach for your invention, product, or business goals with guidance from an experienced patent attorney.