Is my invention new?
As for patents, our examiners carry out a novelty search for the invention to be patented, to make sure that nothing similar has been invented before. In contrast, our examiners will not examine the novelty and inventiveness of the inventions in utility model applications, and therefore the registration process for utility models is much quicker than for patents.
We will find out the publications that are most like your invention only on separate request. However, you should carry out extensive searches in patent databases and Internet search engines in order to be sure that your invention is new. If a previously known invention is entered in the register, anyone can at any time claim to have the registration of the utility model declared invalid based on the fact that the invention is not new.
Read more about our search and examination services.
How to determine the novelty of the invention
To determine the novelty and inventiveness of an invention, you can:
- Carry out extensive searches in patent databases and web search engines. Observe that on the web someone can get hold of your search results, so do not reveal too much. Read more about patent databases in the Patents section.
- Discuss confidentially with our examiners, and if you wish, ask them to carry out a utility model search or preliminary novelty search.
- Use the services of patent attorney offices. Read more about patent attorneys and agents.