Strategy
Collection Searches
A collection search involves the acquisition of ALL patents relating to a particular invention or subject matter. The searcher will include any patents which are relevant to the subject matter at issue, even those which appear to be duplicative and redundant. A practitioner can limit the search in various ways, to include selected periods of years, number of patents, assignees, etc.
State of the Art Searches
A state of the art search is directed to finding representative patents relating to a particular type of invention or subject matter. It is similar to a collection search except that the searcher is authorized to exercise judgment in selecting patents. The purpose of a state of the art search if to give the practitioner a general overview of the current "state of the art" in the subject matter being examined. Frequently, only patents from the last 10 to 15 years may be provided as they may best reveal the most recent developments.
Assignment, Ownership & Name Searches
These searches determine the inventorship, including present and "chain of title" ownership of patents to determine which patents are owned by certain companies or individuals, and whether they have been assigned to others.
Watchdog Searches
Washpat will be your “watchdog,” providing you with periodic updates regarding a particular patent, technology, company, or inventor, to inform you of changes in the market. This service is essential for any company in a saturated technology sector or one engaged in race to market scenarios.
Corporate Profiling
We will independently create a profile of an inventor, technology sector, or company, including the holdings of any subsidiaries and/or affiliates within the corporate hierarchy, to provide you with a strategic advantage. Understanding a competitors’ intellectual property portfolio, patent prosecution strategy, and licensing patterns is an integral mechanism for every innovative company striving to succeed in an evolving marketplace.