DESIGN SEARCH

Follow the given steps to accomplish a design patent search to discover a solid prior art-

1. Searching on Product Review Websites

Product review websites are among the most suitable places to get all our queries responded to, even in prior art searches. Moreover, since the sites are loaded with product reviews of almost every product established in the market, these are some of the most suitable places to explore if any existing products might be competent in invalidating the design

2.Product Prototype Search

While executing a design patent search, product review websites are a great place to shoot. However, they have their limitations. Product reviews are restricted to products that have already been launched or are about to be established. However, prototypes can be a dependable source for finding a stunning design before art.

3.Exploring for Prior Art in Product Design Illustrations

Each product in existence today was once a concept illustrated in a graphic or a sketch. Though a product may vary from the way it was initially designed, drawings still serve as a good form of the prior art. Hence, it is essential to look at the product designs and drawings displayed by creators or companies simulating the product to validate whether the design is unique.

5.Exploring on E-commerce Websites to Invalidate a Design Patent

What do you think of the word e-commerce websites? Shopping? Fantastic prices? Type? For us, these platforms are a superb advent to accomplish design searches. Almost every product in the world is in front of our eyes, remaining to validate or invalidate the client plan.

6.Geography Based Search

When a patent is interested in litigation, you must expand your search to Non-English geographies where many new designs are patented, conceptualized, or produced. Since most prior art searches are often restricted to European or USPTO databases, it is usually the case that designs that so far exist in different parts of the world would clear the test of creativity in the US due to a narrow search.

Patents vary widely in type, complexity, the extent of coverage, length of depiction, etc. The query of cost, therefore, relies upon certain critical factors. Perhaps the most vital cost factor is deciding between a design or utility patent.

Designers and creators who don’t understand the design patent cost might never use it. Of course, if you hire a legal expert for the design patent process, the price is higher, but it comes with several advantages.

A right patent lawyer comprehends the process of applying. They will also know how to explore the database considerably to see if a design identical to yours already has a patent. Discovering this early in the process could save you money and time. The cost of a design patent is less than getting a utility patent. There are some reasons that inventors and innovators choose design patents instead of utility patents.

Comprehending the design patent cost upfront helps bypass undesirable surprises. For example, some inventors find themselves in dire financial situations because they don’t know how much it would cost.

If the fee for filing for a design patent is high, you have some options. First, you can present your product to the public and associate with investors. Some inventors choose crowdfunding websites to boost enough money to register for a design patent. Another alternative is to wait to display your concept until you can preserve enough money for the design patent cost.

You also want to comprehend the design patent cost before starting the application. While the application fee isn’t high, other prices are much involved. Working with an expert patent lawyer also adds more costs. However, the lawyer will function on the design patent through the whole process. Some designers receive a patent and then learn it doesn’t protect all the aspects of their designs. You don’t want to expend the time and money only to find that your patent won’t cover your design.