Greenbaum P.C. is happy to offer a prior art / patentability search to independent inventors and small companies for a flat fee of $750.  The prior art search (sometimes called a patentability or landscape search) will uncover other inventions that may affect your ability to patent your invention.  While a patent search is not a mandatory part of the patent process, the search can be a valuable tool for evaluating the chances of success in the patent office and the marketplace.  Many inventors and patent professionals recommend conducting a patent search to test the waters before committing resources to filing a Utility Patent.  An additional benefit of having a patent search done is that it can identify potential customers, licensees and strategic partners.  Generally, Greenbaum P.C. is able to conduct the patent search and draft the Search Report in 1 week or less.