Aegis Patent Services

What is a prior art search?

A prior art search is a review of existing patents, published applications, and non-patent literature to determine whether an invention is novel and non-obvious — the legal standards for patentability. The search identifies references the USPTO is likely to cite during examination, giving your attorney the information needed to draft stronger claims.

What is the difference between a prior art search and a freedom to operate search?

A prior art search evaluates whether an invention is patentable by looking at all existing knowledge in the field. A freedom to operate search evaluates whether a product can be made and sold without infringing on active, enforceable patents held by others. They answer different questions and are typically done at different stages of product development.

How long does a patent search take?

Most prior art searches at Aegis are completed within 4 to 7 business days. Freedom to operate searches vary based on technical complexity and geographic coverage, with timelines confirmed at the quote stage.

Should I conduct a patent search before filing a patent application?

A thorough search before filing helps your attorney draft claims with full visibility into the existing landscape. Patent prosecution typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 or more, and better-informed initial applications often result in fewer office actions — which can meaningfully reduce overall patent costs.

Who performs the patent searches at Aegis?

All searches are performed in the United States by Brandon Kenney, the firm's principal. Brandon holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech and an MBA from the University of Florida, with eight years of patent research experience. Aegis does not outsource any work.

What is included in a patent search report?

Reports include the most relevant prior art with notes on specific claims tied to invention elements, PDFs of key patents and applications, USPTO and international classifications, publication details with abstracts and hyperlinks for efficient review, and coverage of commercial applications and non-patent literature. Custom report templates are available on request.

Do you work with patent attorneys and law firms?

Yes. Aegis specializes in working with small and mid-size inventor-focused law firms and can adapt processes and report formats to match a practice's preferred templates.

Where is Aegis Patent Services located?

Aegis Patent Services is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and serves clients throughout the United States.