Search

Searches save time, effort and money

IP searches can save time, effort and even money. Patent searches help to avoid duplication of research and development, that means putting efforts into something that is already contained in patent literature. Regular searching helps prevent you from infringing other people's IP rights.

IP searching is specifically important before filing a utility model application, since the DPMA registers utility models without checking all substantive requirements. However, you will only benefit from legally effective protection if your invention complies with these requirements. Anybody can file a request for cancellation to have your utility model reviewed.

Searching within the databases of the DPMA and the EPO

You should carefully search the state of the art in order to reduce the risk of a subsequent cancellation. The state of the art is the yardstick for assessing the 'novelty' requirement. You can use the free online services of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and the European Patent Office for this purpose.

Search facilities are available at:

DPMAregister	- legal (including procedural) status register for patents and utility models - patent gazette (Patentblatt) - search facilities - DPMAkurier (subscription to the patent gazette (Patentblatt); monitoring of legal status data whose publication is obligatory)
DEPATISnet	- patent database of the DPMA containing more than 60 million patent documents from all over the world
Espacenet	- patent database of the European Patent Office containing more than 45 million patent documents from all over the world
Detailed information on searching by technical subject matter is available in the patents area.

Utility model searches carried out by the German Patent and Trade Mark Office

Specialists of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office can carry out utility model searches for you. Search requests are only accepted in relation to pending utility model applications or registered utility models. The search fee is EUR 250. You will receive a search report allowing you to assess the prospects of the utility model.

You should file a search request only when you are sure that the utility model will be registered. Please note that the search fee is not refunded even if the search cannot be carried out due to insufficient documents.

Help and advice

• You can contact the enquiry units of the DPMA in Munich, Berlin and Jena.
• The search support database hotline (phone: +49 89 2195-3435) will be pleased to answer your questions.
• Expert staff provide assistance in the search rooms of the DPMA in Munich (phone: +49 89 2195-2504) and Berlin (phone: +49 30 25992-230, -231). In the search rooms you can use the vast technical library of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office and carry out searches in relation to your utility model application or inspect files.
• Searches for patents and utility models are also offered by Patentinformationszentren (patent information centres), commercial information brokers and search agents.
  • Alle Patentinformationszentren auf einen Blick (all patent information centres at a glance)
  • You can find lists of patent searchers via all major Internet search engines.

© 2013 Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt | Last updated 13/05/13