A state-of-the-art search encapsulates the current level of development in any given area or sub-category of technological development and illuminates the advancements made to date. It explores information that is already public knowledge in the form of patent literature, existing patents, and products.

SOA searches are best suited for clients looking to change the direction of their R&D and investments in the IP domain and to those contemplating entry into an entirely new field. It gathers intel on any existing products that may prove as being the most obvious form of prior art whilst simultaneously looking for any proof that one’s ungranted patents are already known. Minimizing wasteful investments and apportioning time and capital resources more efficiently requires gaining insight into which technologies have evolved rapidly and the problems encountered therein. This aids in simplifying decisions relating to current research and commercial development. It provides a broad view in determining the patentability of inventions with respect to their novelty and inventive aspects. Having an all-inclusive SOA search done allows businesses to be aware of other top competitors and inventors and know which patents are being filed.