“Should I Stay, or Should I Go?” What Do Patent Search Results Mean? Evaluating Search Results and Next Steps

Once the thorough patent searches are done, what happens next? Results from patent searches are powerful knowledge, if they’re analyzed properly. Evaluating the search results carefully is crucial. If potential problems emerge, it’s essential to assess the severity of each issue.

Not every potential problem is equally problematic. Minor issues may be able to be resolved through small adjustments to your invention.

However, if significant issues arise, such as finding a patent that closely mirrors your invention, you might face a more serious decision.

A patent attorney can provide clarity on the legal landscape, guide you through risk assessment, and suggest strategies to safely navigate forward. Your decision to stay the course, pivot your plans, or pause entirely will be better informed and strategically sound.

If you’d like help with a patent, let’s talk. You can use my contact form or book a consultation online at kingpatentlaw.com or by calling my office at 312-596-2222 or 217-714-8558.

Please check out the other posts and pages on my website for more information on patents and other intellectual property and business law issues.

Picture of Julie King

Julie King

Julie is a licensed patent attorney and the founding attorney at King Patent Law, PLLC, with over 25 years of legal experience. Her practice focuses on intellectual property, business, and estate planning, and she's passionate about helping clients use IP tools to protect and grow their businesses. When she's not helping clients, you can find her at a live rock show, watching a horror movie, or playing the guitar (badly).

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney.

Patent Pending Isn't Protection
Patent Pending Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means

There’s a phrase that feels like it has magical powers in the patent world: patent pending. Most inventors think it means they’re protected while they develop, test, pitch investors, and bring a product to market. That’s not quite what it means, and the gap between those two ideas can cost

Read More »