Before applying for any intellectual property (IP) protection, a professional preliminary search is crucial to assess the novelty, distinctiveness, and enforceability of the desired IP right. A thorough search minimizes the risk of rejection, infringement disputes, and unnecessary costs. Each type of IP right requires a different approach to prior art or existing rights research to ensure a strong application and protection strategy. Below, we explain why professional searches are necessary for each type of protection and provide examples of the research scope.

1. Patent Search (Prior Art Search)

Why is a Patent Search Necessary?
A patent application must meet the novelty and inventive step requirements. If an invention is already disclosed in prior patents, scientific literature, or publicly available documents, the application may be rejected. A patent search helps:

  • Identify existing technologies that may affect patentability.
  • Avoid infringement risks by ensuring the new invention does not violate existing patent rights.
  • Strengthen patent claims by differentiating from known technologies.

What Does a Patent Search Include?

  • Patent databases: DPMAregister (Germany), EPO (European Patent Office), WIPO (PATENTSCOPE), USPTO (USA).
  • Scientific literature: Research papers, technical documents, industry reports.
  • Market analysis: Existing products and technologies.

Example:
A company develops a new battery technology with improved energy efficiency. A patent search reveals that a similar technology was already patented by a competitor three years ago. The company then refines its design to introduce a unique feature, improving patentability and avoiding infringement.

2. Trademark Search (Availability Search)

Why is a Trademark Search Necessary?
Trademarks must be distinctive and should not conflict with existing trademarks. A search ensures:

  • The mark does not infringe existing trademarks, reducing legal risks.
  • The mark is registrable, avoiding rejection due to similarity to earlier marks.
  • The brand name has a clear legal status, preventing costly rebranding.

What Does a Trademark Search Include?

  • Trademark databases: DPMA (Germany), EUIPO (European Union), WIPO (International), USPTO (USA).
  • Company registers: Checking businesses that use similar names.
  • Common law rights: Identifying unregistered but widely used brand names.
  • Domain name checks: Ensuring website and social media availability.

Example:
A fashion startup wants to register the trademark “Luxora” for luxury clothing. A trademark search reveals that a similar mark, “Luxoria”, is already registered for fashion products in the EU. The company decides to change the name to “Luxorra” to avoid conflicts and ensure successful registration.

3. Design Search (Prior Design Search)

Why is a Design Search Necessary?
Registered designs protect the visual appearance of a product. A prior design search ensures:

  • The design is new and unique, preventing rejection.
  • There are no conflicting registered designs that could lead to disputes.
  • The applicant understands the competitive design landscape in their industry.

What Does a Design Search Include?

  • Design databases: DPMA (Germany), EUIPO (Community Designs), WIPO (Hague System).
  • Market research: Analysis of competitor products.
  • Trade fairs and industry catalogs: Reviewing product designs in use.

Example:
A company designs a new minimalist smartwatch and wants to register its design. A design search finds a similar shape and interface registered by a competitor. To differentiate, the company modifies the strap and screen layout before filing the application.

4. Utility Model Search (Prior Art Search for Utility Models)

Why is a Utility Model Search Necessary?
Utility models are granted without substantive examination, making it easier to accidentally infringe existing rights. A professional search helps:

  • Determine whether the invention is truly new.
  • Avoid conflicting registrations that could lead to cancellation.
  • Assess whether a patent or utility model is the better option.

What Does a Utility Model Search Include?

  • Utility model databases: DPMA (Germany), WIPO, European databases.
  • Patent searches: Since utility models often relate to minor patentable improvements.
  • Technical literature: Scientific articles, product catalogs.

Example:
An engineer invents a new type of ergonomic chair adjustment mechanism. A utility model search uncovers a similar patented mechanism. The engineer then modifies the angle adjustment feature to create a distinct invention.

5. Copyright Search (Plagiarism and Prior Use Check)

Why is a Copyright Search Necessary?
Unlike patents or trademarks, copyright arises automatically upon creation. However, a search helps:

  • Avoid accidental plagiarism (especially in software, books, or artwork).
  • Check if a work is already licensed or publicly available.
  • Identify potential fair use exemptions before claiming infringement.

What Does a Copyright Search Include?

  • Plagiarism detection tools: Software like Turnitin, Copyscape (for text), TinEye (for images).
  • Media databases: Music archives, stock image libraries, software repositories.
  • Legal case studies: Copyright disputes in similar fields.

Example:
A game developer creates a new fantasy world for a video game. A copyright search reveals a book series with an almost identical setting. To avoid legal issues, the developer modifies the world’s history and character designs.

6. Semiconductor and Plant Variety Searches

Why Are These Searches Necessary?
For semiconductor topographies, prior searches ensure no existing circuit layout is copied, while plant variety searches confirm that a new breed is truly distinct.

What Does a Semiconductor or Plant Variety Search Include?

  • Semiconductor databases: Patent and industry-specific databases.
  • Botanical registries: European CPVO database for plant varieties.

Example:
A biotech company develops a new wheat variety with improved drought resistance. A plant variety search confirms that a nearly identical variety exists, requiring further genetic modification before registration.

Conclusion: Why Professional Searches Are Essential

Conducting a thorough, professional preliminary search ensures that an IP application is:

  • Legally viable (reducing rejection risk).
  • Distinct from existing rights (avoiding infringement claims).
  • Strategically sound (maximizing commercial value).

Each IP right requires specialized research tools and databases, making professional assistance from patent attorneys, trademark lawyers, and IP specialists invaluable. Investing in proper IP searches saves time, legal costs, and business risks, ensuring a stronger and more enforceable IP strategy.