+1-267-855-3990
Email us:
Chemical Structure-based Search
In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, innovation often lies deep within molecular structures, compositions, and interactions that drive new product development. However, even the most novel compound may face patent office objections or potential infringement risks. To mitigate these risks and protect your intellectual property effectively, a Chemical Structure-based Search is essential.
At IP Brigade, we specialize in conducting Chemical Structure-based Searches that help organizations identify prior art, evaluate novelty, and ensure their chemical innovations are truly original and patentable. Our structured approach combines advanced chemical informatics, AI-based tools, and expert chemical analysis to deliver precise, actionable results.
What is a Chemical Structure-based Search?
A Chemical Structure-based Search involves identifying patents and scientific publications containing chemical compounds structurally similar to or matching your compound of interest. Instead of relying solely on keywords or textual descriptions, this search examines molecular structures, substructures, and Markush representations, providing a far more comprehensive and reliable view of prior art.
Such searches are critical for:
- Patentability assessments before filing a patent application
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses to avoid infringement risks
- Patent opposition and invalidation proceedings
- Research and development planning for new formulations or molecules
Whether you are a pharmaceutical company, chemical manufacturer, or biotech innovator, our structure-based searches provide you with the clarity needed to make confident IP and R&D decisions.
Our Approach to Chemical Structure-based Searches
At IP Brigade, we follow a rigorous, multi-stage process to ensure precision and completeness in every search project.
1. Understanding the Objective
We start by defining the goal of the search — whether it’s for novelty assessment, patent invalidation, competitor monitoring, or R&D guidance.
2. Structure Input and Query Design
Our experts convert your compound into multiple searchable formats such as SMILES, InChI, and Molfile, ensuring compatibility across diverse patent databases and chemical libraries.
3. Database Selection
We utilize leading global databases, including STN, Reaxys, CAS Registry, SureChem, PubChem, and Derwent Innovation, ensuring comprehensive coverage of both patent and non-patent literature.
4. Substructure and Similarity Searching
Through substructure, similarity, and Markush searches, we identify compounds that are identical, closely related, or functionally similar to your query molecule.
5. Result Filtering and Relevance Evaluation
We analyze and refine results to highlight only the most relevant references, based on chemical similarity, functional group overlap, and claimed utility.
6. Analytical Mapping
Our chemists map each identified compound’s features against your structure using structure diagrams, reaction schemes, and claim mapping, providing visual clarity and technical depth.
7. Final Reporting and Strategic Recommendations
We deliver a comprehensive, easy-to-interpret report summarizing identified compounds, structural comparisons, legal statuses, and strategic recommendations to guide your next steps — whether it’s filing, modifying, or defending a patent.
What’s Included in Our Chemical Structure-based Search Report
- Structure Diagrams and Chemical Identifiers (SMILES, InChI, Molfile)
- List of Identical and Similar Compounds
- Patent References with Legal Status Information
- Non-patent Literature References (Journals, Research Papers, Databases)
- Claim and Structure Mapping
- Relevance and Similarity Analysis
Strategic Recommendations and Next Steps
Why Choose IP Brigade for Chemical Structure-based Searches?
Expert Chemists and IP Professionals
Our team consists of experienced chemical analysts, patent attorneys, and R&D scientists with deep domain expertise in organic, inorganic, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Advanced Search Tools
We utilize AI-driven chemical structure search engines and global patent databases to deliver accurate, high-confidence results.
Comprehensive Global Coverage
We search across major patent offices (USPTO, EPO, WIPO, JPO, CNIPA) and scientific literature, ensuring no relevant prior art is missed.
Tailored to Your Objectives
Our reports are customized based on your project goals — whether you’re filing a patent, defending one, or planning a new R&D initiative.
Strict Confidentiality
We adhere to international confidentiality standards, ensuring your molecular data and research insights remain secure.
Benefits of a Chemical Structure-based Search
- Accurately identify prior art compounds and potential conflicts
- Avoid patent infringement and duplication risks
- Strengthen patent applications with detailed prior art awareness
- Support litigation and opposition strategies with technical evidence
- Guide R&D investment toward unclaimed or white-space areas
- Enhance portfolio quality and innovation efficiency
With IP Brigade, you gain a reliable partner equipped to handle the scientific and strategic complexities of chemical innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It’s a specialized search that identifies patents or publications containing compounds structurally similar to your molecule of interest.
Unlike keyword searches, it uses molecular structure matching to find chemically related compounds, even if described differently in text.
Before patent filing, during FTO assessments, or when analyzing competitor compounds and formulation overlaps.
We use advanced chemical databases like STN, Reaxys, PubChem, CAS, SureChem, and Derwent Innovation.
Yes. It helps identify prior art that can invalidate or challenge existing patents on similar compounds
Typically, 1–3 weeks, depending on complexity and database scope.