Patent Validity

Patent Validity Search - Invalidity Search - Opposition Search

Anytime an organization or an individual applies for a patent, the application is subjected to a patentability search. But, for practical reasons, searches completed by patent office examiners are simply not exhaustive. As a result, patents may be granted despite the existence of prior art that, if found, can be used to deem the patent invalid.

Patent laws in some countries allow third parties to challenge the grant of a patent through a formal opposition procedure if they can cite references missed by the patent office that should have prevented issuance of a patent.

Our patent validity search / invalidity search / opposition search can provide powerful strategic leverage when your business’s products, practices, or patented intellectual property is on the line. Whether your company has been threatened or sued for patent infringement, or a competitor has been granted a patent that blocks your use of that technology and is standing in your way, an effective search by TPR’s team of search experts can help clear the legal obstacles in your path.

A successful validity / invalidity search that effectively demonstrates a patent should never have been granted can re-enable your company’s freedom-to-practice of the previously-claimed invention, or prevent the payment of significant damages that would result from losing an infringement lawsuit. And if you’re looking to validate soon-to-be-acquired IP investments during a merger or acquisition, an invalidity search / opposition search can help directly assess the strength of these assets.

Faced with a business-threatening infringement challenge? For projects that demand the deepest level of information discovery and validity research possible, take a look at our Validity Ultimate™ service.