Frequently Asked Questions
Patent searching & PatentNexus
What is a patent search?
A patent search is a systematic review of existing patents and published patent applications to determine whether an invention is novel. It involves searching patent databases across multiple jurisdictions to find prior art — earlier patents or publications that describe similar technology.
How much does a patent search cost?
Traditional patent searches conducted by patent attorneys typically cost between $1,500 and $15,000. PatentNexus offers AI-powered patentability analysis starting free, with full analysis available on Pro plans — 80-95% less than traditional methods.
How long does a patent search take?
A traditional patent search takes 2-6 weeks. PatentNexus generates AI-powered patentability analysis in minutes through a chat conversation. Just describe your invention and get prior art analysis, novelty assessment, and claim suggestions.
What is prior art?
Prior art refers to any evidence that your invention was already known before your patent application filing date. This includes existing patents, published applications, academic papers, and public demonstrations. PatentNexus searches 166M+ patents across 100+ countries to identify relevant prior art.
Do I need a patent attorney?
While you can file a patent application yourself, working with a patent attorney significantly increases your chances of obtaining strong patent protection. PatentNexus is not a substitute for legal advice, but it gives you a substantial head start and can make attorney conversations faster and cheaper.
How many patents does PatentNexus search?
PatentNexus searches over 166 million patents and applications from 100+ countries, including patents from USPTO, EPO, WIPO, JPO, CNIPA, KIPO, and dozens of other patent offices.
What is a CPC classification code?
CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) codes are a hierarchical system used by patent offices worldwide to categorize patents by technology area. PatentNexus automatically classifies your invention and searches within the appropriate technology domains.
What happens if prior art is found?
Finding prior art does not necessarily mean your invention is unpatentable. PatentNexus identifies where your invention differs from existing art — these differences are potential novel claims. Many successful patents are granted for improvements or novel combinations of existing technology.
How is PatentNexus different from Google Patents?
Google Patents is a free search tool for browsing individual patents, but it provides no analysis, no classification intelligence, and no structured reports. PatentNexus uses AI to classify your technology, identify relevant prior art, assess novelty, and generate actionable recommendations through a natural conversation.
Can I patent an idea?
You cannot patent a mere idea or concept. Patent law requires a specific, concrete invention — how it works, how to build it, and what makes it different from existing technology. Your invention must be novel, non-obvious, and useful.
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