Your Trusted Legal and Advisory Partner.

Patent Services

Patent Search Services

Informed patent decisions begin with comprehensive search and analysis. Whether you are assessing patentability, evaluating a competitor's landscape, or determining freedom to operate, the quality of the underlying search determines the quality of every decision that follows.

Patentability Searches

A patentability search (novelty search) systematically examines existing patents, scientific literature, and public disclosures to assess whether an invention meets the core criteria for patent protection. It is conducted before filing to evaluate the likelihood of grant and to inform the drafting strategy.

Databases Searched:

Global: WIPO PATENTSCOPE, EPO Espacenet, USPTO, CNIPA, J PlatPat
Non patent literature: Journals, proceedings, product specifications
Local: Ministry of Economy and GCC Patent Office records
Commercial: Derwent Innovation, Orbit Intelligence

Report Deliverables
Prior art relevance ranking
Feature by feature mapping
Grant likelihood assessment
Strategic drafting recommendations

Prior Art Searches

A prior art search is a broader examination of existing knowledge in a technology field, used for validity challenges, technology landscaping, M&A due diligence, and litigation support.

Search Type	Purpose	Typical Use Case
State of the art	Map technology landscape	R&D investment; strategic planning
Validity/Invalidity	Challenge a patent	Litigation; licensing negotiations
Patent family	Identify related applications	Competitor portfolio analysis
Landscape/Mapping	Visualise patent activity	Competitive intelligence

Freedom To Operate (FTO) Analysis

FTO analysis determines whether a product, process, or activity can be commercialised without infringing third party patents. It is about whether others' patents could stop you from operating.

FTO Risk Assessment Framework

Risk	Assessment	Action
Low	No risk identified	Proceed
Medium	Scope uncertain	Monitor; design around
High	Likely infringement	Redesign, licence, or avoid

When FTO is Required:

Before new market launch
Before capital investment
M&A due diligence
Responding to C&D letters

Frequently Asked Questions

Not legally required, but strongly recommended. It informs claim drafting, avoids futile applications, and improves grant quality.

A prior art search assesses what exists in a technology field. An FTO analysis is a targeted legal assessment of whether a specific product infringes specific in force patent claims in a specific jurisdiction.

A focused single product FTO typically takes 2–4 weeks. Multi jurisdiction FTOs for complex products take 4–8 weeks.

Yes. A well documented FTO opinion can be relevant to establishing good faith reliance and may affect damages calculations.

Searches typically draw on global databases such as WIPO PATENTSCOPE, EPO Espacenet, USPTO, CNIPA, and J PlatPat, alongside local Ministry of Economy and GCC Patent Office records and non patent literature.

A report generally provides a ranking of relevant prior art, a feature by feature comparison against the invention, an assessment of grant likelihood, and recommendations for claim drafting strategy.

A low rating indicates minimal infringement risk, a medium rating flags uncertain scope requiring monitoring or a design around, and a high rating signals likely infringement requiring redesign, licensing, or avoidance.

An FTO analysis is typically commissioned before launching a new product in a market, ahead of significant capital investment, during M&A due diligence, or in response to a cease and desist letter.

No. A search reduces uncertainty and informs strategy, but grant is ultimately decided by the relevant patent office's own substantive examination.

Yes. An early stage search on a preliminary concept can still usefully inform whether further development and investment in the invention are worthwhile.

Yes. Commercial platforms such as Derwent Innovation and Orbit Intelligence are commonly used alongside free public databases to improve search depth and coverage.

Talk To Our Experts Now

Need expert help? Contact our agents today.

Strategic Partners

Insights On Trademark & IP

Sep 10, 2026

UAE Lifts Restrictions on Class 33 Trademark Applications for Alcoholic Beverages

The UAE has reportedly lifted restrictions on Class 33 trademark applications, allowing brand owners to seek protection for alcoholic beverages. Discover what this change means, the filing requirements, and how businesses can strengthen their trademark protection in the UAE.

Aug 24, 2026

Customs Recordal of Trademark in UAE: A Complete Guide for Brand Owners

Trademark registration alone won't stop counterfeit goods at the border. Here's how customs recordal lets UAE Customs actively intercept fake shipments, plus the fees, documents, and step by step process.

Jun 16, 2026

UAE Trademark Update: Registration Certificate No Longer Required for Renewals and Recordals

The UAE Trademark Office has amended the documentary requirements for trademark renewals and recordals, including assignments, licenses, and changes of name or address.

Ready to establish your legacy?

Join over 500+ entrepreneurs who chose Legacy Partners.

Book Free Consultation

Patent Search Services

Patentability Searches

Prior Art Searches

Freedom To Operate (FTO) Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a patentability search required before filing?

What is the difference between a prior art search and an FTO analysis?

How long does an FTO analysis take?

Can an FTO opinion be used in litigation?

What databases and sources are used in a patentability search?

What does a patentability search report typically include?

What do the low, medium, and high FTO risk ratings mean in practice?

When should a business commission a Freedom to Operate analysis?

Does a clean patentability search guarantee that a patent application will be granted?

Can a patent search be requested before an invention is fully finalized?