| Technology We specialize in electrical and mechanical technologies, along with related areas such as semiconductor manufacture. Our specialties include computer-related topics such as data communications, mass storage systems, database systems and computer architecture. Areas of expertise include optics, laser topics, imaging arrays, electro-photography, servo-controlled systems, motor structures & control circuits, fluid hydraulics/mechanics/dynamics, power tools, display devices, memory arrays, all small and large scale communication networks, semiconductor devices & manufacturing, and many more. Trusted associates provide expertise in chemical and biotechnology subject areas. Validity Searches A validity search conducted by us is a serious effort to find prior art for specific claims of an issued patent or pending application. We begin by reviewing the subject patent and its prosecution history to determine why the claims were allowed. We manually search a large number of relevant subclasses in U.S. Patents and pre-grant publications, as well as a search of non-U.S. patent databases. We make use of the PTO's automated search systems, and our own in-house patent image search system. We conduct database searches of literature using various government and commercial sources. We make use of on-line library collections through our associations with the IEEE, ACM, SPIE etc, and continue to expand our sources of literature, always looking to take advantage in new bodies of art made available to us. On some occasions we travel to libraries that specialize in very specific topics (e.g. N.I.H., Dept. of Agriculture, Linda Hall Library, etc). The main point - prior art can be found in many places other than the patent art! Engineers and academics publish thousands of papers daily! Our experience dating back to 1983 provides us the knowledge and tricks we need to find prior art. Pricing Guidelines Patent Research - Our base rate is $165 (U.S.) per hour. Every search is different and we can often work within a fixed authorization or maximum limit. We can provide broad estimates for a search upon request. Validity Studies for a group of claims in a single patent are quite involved, costing $6k-8k on average. Again, every project is unique and is negotiated for budget and deadline schedules prior to conducting our work. In addition, we take great pride in our long history of meeting predetermined deadlines. We do what we say we're going to do! The Important Stuff There are many companies out there claiming to provide good patent research. They claim to search most of the sources we list here. Many provide little actual work and almost no detailed reporting at all. Numerous companies provide patent search work conducted by law school students who have little interest in patent research for a living, and lack any real practical experience. Our length of time in this business provides the technical background and intense focus required for important serious research. We bring substantial technical expertise and experience to the table. |
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