There are many benefits for prior art searching your idea (concept or design) before filing for a patent application for your invention.

One obvious, but important benefit is that the patent search may result in discovering a patent or a publication that teach your invention.

If another has patented your idea and the patent has expired and cannot be revived, then the patent that teaches your idea is no longer enforceable.

As always, you are more than welcome to call or email Patent Law Agency, LLC if you have any comments or questions.

By Peter Ganjian

(Former United States Patent Examiner with the United States Patent and Trademark Office)

A Southern California based U.S. Registered Patent Agent with Patent Law Agency, LLC Serving the communities of Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and Arcadia.  Patent Law Agency, LLC also serves Brazil, Colombia, Japan, China, Europe and the European Patent Office, Canada, and many other locations.