Patent and Prior Art Search - $488 - The patent search is the first step in the patenting process. While it is certainly not required (and can be done on one's own), it is strongly recommended that a professional patent search be conducted to provide an accurate gauge of product patentability and existing prior art knowledge.
The patent search will include an opinion on patentability, a reference to similar existing patents, a reference to available prior art, a general product description, and a list of ideas, suggestions, and questions to consider as you progress down the path of patentability. This patent search is conducted by Brainstorm Patents and is never considered the final search. The USPTO will conduct its own search at time of utility patent application - the USPTO search is considered a comprehensive and final authority.