This can be done by comparing the invention with existing patent descriptions, utility model descriptions, and other technical publications in the field. Determining of the state of the art also gives an indication of which part of the technical field is already protected and in which direction it is possible to proceed.
When performing a search, it must be taken into account that, in general, the patent application is published only 18 months after it has been filed and the utility model is published after it has been registered.
Similar inventions valid in Estonia can be searched in the Estonian Inventions Database.
The search can be carried out in global databases of patents and utility models.
• Espacenet
• Patentscope – search International Patent Applications
Last updated: 14.08.2025