Claim-focused search matrix
Agree the coverage and format for this component before work starts. The delivery should identify the records or technical material used and any items that remain unresolved.
Search & research · For IP firms
Patent Invalidity Search
Develop a prior-art record around challenged claims and relevant dates. Help litigation teams investigate the technical foundations of a validity challenge.
Project-based or recurring support · Scope and fees agreed in writing
The right work, in the right formatMore useful capacity.
More useful capacity.
Less friction in the handoff.
Help litigation teams investigate the technical foundations of a validity challenge. Menteso’s patent invalidity search is scoped around the matter, technical question and review responsibilities your firm defines. The aim is a useful work product that your team can check, refine and integrate into its own client workflow.
The starting point is patent number, asserted claims, critical dates and known art. Before the assignment begins, agree what falls within the review, which sources or records should be used and what the receiving attorney needs to see. Material uncertainties should be recorded as questions rather than filled with unsupported assumptions.
Illustrative assignment
Counsel identifies three asserted claims. The research maps each limitation to candidate references while documenting publication-date evidence. This example explains the workflow; it is not a claim about a completed client matter.
Scope of delivery
Built for the next reviewer.
Confirm the specific inclusions, depth and file formats in the written proposal. The scope can be adjusted for a single matter or a recurring queue.
Dated reference evidence
Prepare this component around your firm’s review priorities. Distinguish verified information from observations and flag the questions that require attorney or client input.
Ranked prior-art findings and gaps
Keep the handoff practical: use consistent identifiers, agreed file naming and a clear record of assumptions and revisions. Include the supporting material specified in the engagement.
A considered delivery process01 02 03 04
From your brief to your review queue.
Define the assignment
Confirm the question, technical scope, jurisdictions, source materials and exclusions with your instructing team.
Prepare the work
Build the agreed research or document pack, recording sources, assumptions and questions as the work develops.
Review & refine
Check the deliverables against the brief and resolve review comments through the agreed revision process.
Hand over clearly
Deliver in your agreed format, with an issue log and the source material needed for your team’s final review.
Before we begin
Patent Invalidity Search: common questions
How is the search scope set?
The brief defines the invention or product features, search territories, relevant dates, sources and reporting depth. For this assignment, the starting inputs are patent number, asserted claims, critical dates and known art. Search coverage and limitations are documented; legal conclusions remain with your instructing practitioner.
What will the quotation include?
The written scope should identify the agreed components—Claim-focused search matrix; Dated reference evidence; Ranked prior-art findings and gaps—along with the required inputs, depth, target delivery date, review rounds, service fee and exclusions. Specialist work, translations, third-party costs and official fees are confirmed separately where applicable.
Can this support a recurring workflow?
Discuss expected volume, the frequency of handoffs and the level of specialist review required. A recurring arrangement should define queue priorities, communication windows, quality checks and escalation contacts. Availability and turnaround are confirmed against the actual scope rather than assumed from the service name.
Who makes the final legal decisions?
Your firm’s responsible practitioner retains control of legal advice, strategy, deadlines, final documents and filings. Menteso’s assignment supplies the agreed technical or operational support. Any separately retained professional representation must be expressly agreed.
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