The search for anteriority on drawing and industrial model : is a process of checking whether an industrial drawing or model is already protected by an existing patent. This makes it possible to determine whether an industrial drawing or model can be patented and whether intellectual property rights are available.
Anteriority research process:
- Define the drawing or industrial model wishing to be patented;
- Search the databases: such as the European Patent Office (OEB); the Patent and Brands of the United States (USPTO) office; The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPI);
- Use research tools: such as similarity search algorithms; patent classifications;
- Analyze the results: to determine if an existing patent already protects an industrial drawing or model;
- Evaluate the risks: the risks of conflicts with existing patents to decide on the pursuit or dispossession.
