I will conduct a patent search to assess patentability

A patentability search is a comprehensive investigation of existing patents and other publicly available information (also called prior art) to determine if your invention is likely to be considered novel and non-obvious, which are key requirements for obtaining a patent.

Patent process is hard, time-consuming and costly. A global patentability search allows you to refine your application, focusing on the truly innovative aspects and avoiding potential rejections due to prior art. Thus, making the process fast and cost-effective in the long run.

No! Patents must be novel worldwide. A similar invention disclosed or patented elsewhere, even if your invention is new in one country, can prevent you from obtaining a patent. Patentability search is always done globally. Please don't fall into a trap of doing the search in one country.

It is highly recommended to conduct a patentability search before filing your patent application. This allows you to make informed decisions about your patent strategy and to draft a stronger application.

While not mandatory for a provisional application, a patentability search can still be beneficial as it can help you assess the patentability of your invention and identify potential conflicts early on.