How is Clearance Research Used?
Clearance research (also known as “Freedom to Operate” or “Right to Use” research), is a fundamental element in opinion drafting and a key business tool for corporate management.
Express Search offers detailed clearance research allowing our clients the flexibility to focus on drafting opinions, amendments, and briefs while having peace of mind regarding due diligence and strength within the market.
Clearance research has become a standard method of judging product value in the intangible asset marketplace.
This research is in higher demand as companies are forced to consider the increased probability of legal scrutiny.
How is a Clearance Search Conducted?
Clearance research includes an infringement search in addition to searching expired patents that may provide a “safe harbor” for a specific product, process, or service.
Our researchers address both infringement and novelty concerns with the ultimate goal of giving the client the ability to offer a solid legal opinion regarding the barriers to entry into a particular field of technology or market.
Due to the in-depth nature of clearance research, the disclosure is measured against the claims of the cited prior art. This eliminates references that could be included in patentability results that do not specifically teach the client’s invention. The end result is a highly focused body of prior art whose claims read on the disclosure provided.
The researcher covers the earliest art to the most recent inventions, including US patents, US applications and foreign art. Non-patent literature may also be included to provide an additional scholarly overview of the field of technology.
Express Search clearance research includes both the search results as well as diverse legal status information for each of the cited references.
Opinion-free comments include column/line/figure and claim references which point clients directly to the most important features of the art. Coupled with keyword searchable electronic patent copies, clients can quickly and accurately prepare their clearance opinions with confidence.
Who Benefits from Clearance Research?
Key beneficiaries of this product range from small start up companies requiring information and analysis of their market options to established corporations looking to increase product lines.
Additionally, an increasing number of venture capital and grant organizations are requesting clearance opinions as a basis for funding allocation and renewal. Clearance research can aid in determining the viability of a venture under the current legal landscape.
Clearance research provides a solid foundation for the valuation of a patent or product with a specific focus on competing intellectual property.
Search Results Include:
- Opinion-free comments
- Keyword searchable patents
- Current PAIR assignments
- Current INPADOC patent family and legal status
- Electronic results for easy storage and sharing
- Free shipping and free electronic patent copies
- Free research estimate