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CONTENTS
What this module is about
The benefits of searching IP registers
What are the IP databases?
When should I conduct a search?
Searching to determine whether you can protect your IP - trade marks
Searching to determine whether you can protect your IP - patents
Searching to determine whether you can protect your IP - copyright
Limitations of searches
How do I conduct a search?
Who can provide searching assistance?
Questions for your adviser
Summary of key concepts
Email This Page Print this Page > IPToolbox > IP & Your Business > The Power of IP Database Searching

The Power of IP Database Searching

What this module is about
A brief overview

The benefits of searching IP registers
By searching IP Australia's patent, designs and trade marks registers you can gain detailed technical knowledge about a competitor's operations and products.

What are the IP databases?
There are a large number of IP registers and databases that can be searched.

When should I conduct a search?
The five most common reasons for conducting an IP search.

Searching to determine whether you can protect your IP - trade marks
Searches involving logos are time consuming and complex.

Searching to determine whether you can protect your IP - patents
One type of IP search (often called an 'availability' or 'clearance' search for trade marks and a 'prior art' search for patents) helps to determine whether or not it is worthwhile filing for a patent.

Searching to determine whether you can protect your IP - copyright
In Australia, it is virtually impossible to conduct searches relating to copyright.

Limitations of searches
An IP search rarely provides a guaranteed answer. Not only is searching difficult, but each system has its own limitations.

How do I conduct a search?
To conduct searches, you can start by using these resources.

Who can provide searching assistance?
When engaging a professional searcher, such as a patent attorney or search agent, it is important to understand different search objectives and work out what type of search you will need to conduct.

Questions for your adviser
What registers, databases and prior art libraries will need to be searched.

Summary of key concepts
Important information to take away from this module.
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