Prior art searching: the importance of due diligence in R&D processes

Prior art searching James and Wells

Time and costs spent searching existing publications and patent registers can avoid costly mistakes when acquiring or licensing technology from a third party, or before undertaking a significant R&D program or an extensive patent filing strategy. If the technology in question is anticipated by these earlier publications, then the value of the transaction or the merit of the R&D program or patent filings may be critically reduced…