The Brief
Discuvr was asked to:
• Assess the novelty of the client’s idea
• Conduct a global prior art search to identify potential conflicts
• Advise on how to proceed with patent strategy based on the findings
IP prior art and Ideation to workaround existing IP
Global IP Search
Worldwide patent analysis to identify potential conflicts
Strategic Ideation
Developed creative workarounds to avoid infringement
Faster IP Protection
Accelerated filing readiness and protection process
Cost & Time Savings
Reduced rework through early-stage due diligence
Our client, a major multinational, approached Discuvr with a new product concept they were eager to protect. Before proceeding with patent drafting, they asked us to conduct a prior art search to assess whether similar ideas had already been protected — a critical step to avoid costly surprises later in the process.
what we did
Discuvr applied a structured, strategic approach to intellectual property research:
• Search Strategy Development – We first evaluated the core concept and defined precise search parameters, including tailored keywords and relevant patent classification codes to focus on the right product category.
• Global Prior Art Search – We conducted an exhaustive, worldwide review of patents and public disclosures. Our search quickly surfaced six related concepts, one of which was notably similar and posed a significant obstacle to straightforward filing.
• Strategic Ideation – Upon sharing our findings, the client engaged us to explore ways of adjusting the scope of their idea to avoid infringement. We collaborated closely to ideate an alternative approach — maintaining the integrity of the original concept while working around the conflicting IP.
Technology Review
We confirmed that the company’s initial concept was promising and mission-driven. However, during our review, we discovered that the technology under development had diverged significantly from what was originally proposed, and was no longer aligned with the company’s existing IP protection.
IP & Competitive Landscape
Our prior art search revealed a critical risk: a well-established U.S. competitor was already selling a near identical product, backed by multiple patents. This created a major barrier to the startup’s freedom to operate.
Regulatory & Market Risks
We found the business model relied heavily on obtaining permits in certain jurisdictions a process with uncertain timelines and outcomes.
Financial Analysis
The numbers did not support the business case. Freshwater output was much lower than expected, while financial payback was projected to take significantly longer than originally outlined.
outcome
The client was able to move forward with confidence, saving both time and money by avoiding unnecessary drafting and rework. With a revised concept ready for filing, they achieved faster progress toward protection — all while steering clear of existing IP roadblocks. A smart, collaborative approach that delivered a practical win-win outcome.
key takeaway
Early-stage IP diligence can significantly de-risk the innovation process. With the right methodology and creative problem-solving, it’s possible to uncover conflicts early — and chart a clear path forward for protection and commercialisation.