A knock-out search is a quick and focused patentability search that concentrates primarily on the novelty aspect of the invention. The knock-out search is conducted to uncover relevant reference(s) that are identical or highly similar to your invention and is sufficient to anticipate its novel features.
The turnaround for this preliminary patentability search is much faster compared to a standard patentability/novelty search. However, the search is conducted with same precision and attention to the provided details.
Though the search is conducted to uncover references that has all or major novel aspects of the invention in a single document, yet in case the results are not positive the search scope is broadened to include references that in combination may anticipate the novelty and/or render the invention obvious.
The knock-out search reports are generally short and can be customized to present the information according to the client’s preferences. The report will primarily list the search concepts, keywords, classification codes, and relevant excerpts from the identified patent or non-patent literature.