This course will provide an introduction to patent search. But more importantly, the examples will be used to illustrate how an examiner might approach searching a case, and provides strategies to preempt examiner rejections and/or arguments. That is, students will learn how search strategy and results could be used to inform or guide crafting their applications. At least one example is provided from a software area, but additional examples may be added from other areas. Correctly searching a patent concept may save an inventor money, but more importantly may prepare an inventor with information to overcome rejections.

The course is taught by a former primary patent examiner of the software art areas. This gives students a unique behind the scenes perspective. The instructor will talk out an example while searching a pretend case as he would have done when he was an examiner. Listening to the thought process and logic can prove extremely helpful in demystifying the patent application process, especially for DIY inventors and startups. The instructor will then also demonstrate how the search results can be used to attempt to predict what an examiner's rejection might look like. Finally, the instructor will demonstrate strategies that might be used to make it more difficult for an examiner to make such a predicted case and/or strategies that might be used to position the inventor to dismantle such a rejection.

All course content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Please consult with appropriate sources for legal authority and guidance on related matters.