What is a preliminary patent search?
Good question! A preliminary patent search is another search that you can and should do before you invest your time, your money and more importantly, your heart and soul into this invention idea. Preliminary patent searches are also often called knockout searches. The purpose of a preliminary patent search is to take a look at the United States Patent and Trademark (USPTO) database to see if you find your exact invention idea. While this preliminary search won’t replace the professional patent search, if you do find your exact invention, you have avoided spending time and money on a futile effort.
