Patenttiselvitys

Patenttiselvitys is a Finnish term that translates to "patent search" or "patent investigation." It refers to the process of systematically searching for existing patents and other relevant prior art that might affect the patentability of a new invention or the freedom to operate with a particular technology. This is a crucial step in the patenting process for inventors, companies, and legal professionals.

A patenttiselvitys aims to determine if an invention is novel and inventive compared to what is already known. It involves searching patent databases, scientific literature, and other publicly available sources. The scope of the search can vary depending on the objective. A novelty search, for example, focuses on identifying patents or publications that describe the same or very similar inventions. A freedom-to-operate search, on the other hand, aims to discover patents that an inventor's product or process might infringe upon, thus potentially preventing its commercialization.

The findings of a patenttiselvitys inform strategic decisions regarding patent applications, product development, and potential licensing or infringement issues. It can help avoid wasted resources on patenting an unpatentable invention or developing a product that infringes on existing rights. Professionals like patent attorneys or patent agents often conduct or assist with patenttiselvitys due to their expertise in search methodologies and patent law.