#patented technology

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As modern threats evolve, the demand for lightweight, flexible, high-performance protective solutions continues to increase. Traditional armour systems are effective, but they can limit mobility and comfort, which is not ideal for dynamic operational environments.

Hard Shell FZE has created a patented technology known as Liquid Armour, which is creating a new generation of protection. This breakthrough combines cutting-edge material science with practical application, providing improved safety without sacrificing agility.

What is Liquid Armour Technology?

Liquid Armour is based on shear thickening fluid (STF), a smart material that dynamically responds to external forces.

How It Operates:

Soft and flexible at ordinary temperatures.

Hardening immediately upon sudden impact or force.

Efficiently absorbs and disperses the energy.

Flexible state returns post-impact.

This adaptive behaviour allows it to provide both comfort and high-level protection within a single system.

The Advantage of Patented Innovation

Liquid Armour is a patented technology that offers a unique advantage in the protective equipment market. It offers assured quality and predictable performance, allows continuous innovation through constant material refinement, and enables unique implementation in state-of-the-art safety solutions. This provides high reliability for demanding applications, and its patented foundation increases credibility and gives a clear competitive advantage in the global market.

Applications in Modern Protective Equipment

Blast Proof Wallpaper: A protective coating applied to walls that helps reduce damage from explosions by absorbing shockwaves and preventing the spread of shrapnel.

Fuel Tanks for Vehicles: Used to strengthen fuel tanks in military and transport vehicles, reducing the risk of rupture, fire, or explosion during attacks or accidents.

Blast Mitigation: Designed to absorb blast energy and contain fragments, minimizing damage to structures and improving safety during explosions.

Spall Liners: Internal protective layers that prevent dangerous fragments (spall) from spreading inside vehicles after ballistic impact.

STANAG 4569 Level 3 Solutions: Customized armor solutions that meet NATO protection standards, enhancing vehicle safety while reducing weight and structural gaps.

Bund Lining Systems: Protective linings for containment areas that prevent leakage and improve resistance against chemicals, liquids, and environmental damage.

Pipeline Coating: Coatings applied to pipelines to protect against corrosion, wear, and environmental damage across underground, underwater, and surface installations.

Marine Coating: Advanced coatings for ships and offshore structures that protect against corrosion, water damage, and impact in harsh marine environments.

Oil & Gas Industry Applications: Used in tanks, rigs, and storage systems to provide chemical resistance, corrosion protection, and enhanced durability in extreme conditions.

Why Liquid Armour is a Game Changer

Liquid Armour stands out due to its ability to combine multiple benefits:

Lightweight: Reduces fatigue in long-duration use.

Impact Resistance: Instantly adapts to high-force impacts.

Versatility: Applicable across defense, law enforcement, and industry.

User Comfort: Enhances overall operational efficiency.

Shaping the Future of Protective Technology

Liquid Armour is an example of smart materials that are moving us towards adaptive and intelligent protection systems. These innovations are setting a new standard for safety, allowing users to work more effectively in hazardous environments.

As material science continues to advance, Liquid Armour is likely to be a major player in the next generation of protective gear.

Conclusion

Liquid Armour is a huge breakthrough in modern patented technology. It breaks through the limitations of traditional armour, delivering a unique combination of flexibility, comfort, and high-impact resistance.

When protecting an invention, two terms often confuse inventors: patentability search and prior art search. Although they sound similar, each serves a distinct and critical function in the patent process. Understanding the difference between the two can save time, money, and legal headaches down the line.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what each search means, how they differ, and when you need one — or both. We’ll also explore real-world examples and answer frequently asked questions.

What Is a Patentability Search?

A patentability search, also known as a novelty search, is performed before filing a patent application. It aims to determine whether your invention is new and non-obvious in light of what already exists.

The focus of a patentability search is to:

Uncover existing patents or publications similar to your invention.

Evaluate if your idea meets the requirements of novelty and non-obviousness.

Reduce the risk of your application being rejected by the USPTO or other patent offices.

The results help inventors decide if pursuing a patent is worthwhile. It also allows attorneys to write stronger, more strategic patent claims.

Patentability Search Example

Imagine you invent a toothbrush that sterilizes itself using built-in UV light. Before investing thousands in a patent application, you request a patentability search. The search reveals a few patents using UV technology but not in the exact configuration you developed. This gives your attorney confidence to proceed and tailor claims to highlight your unique approach.

What Is a Prior Art Search?

A prior art search is broader and is often conducted after a patent has been filed or granted. It involves reviewing all public disclosures that might impact a patent’s validity, scope, or enforceability.

Prior art includes:

Patents and published patent applications worldwide.

Books, journals, articles, theses, and technical reports.

Conference presentations and product manuals.

Websites, videos, advertisements, and even social media posts.

While a patentability search is mainly forward-looking (to see if you can patent something), a prior art search is more retrospective — checking what’s already publicly known.

Prior Art Search Use Cases

Litigation defense: To invalidate a competitor’s patent claim.

Freedom to operate (FTO): To avoid infringing on existing rights before launching a product.

Due diligence: For mergers, acquisitions, or licensing deals.

Core Differences Between Patentability and Prior Art Searches

Let’s highlight the key differences that set them apart:

1. Purpose

Patentability search determines if your invention can be patented.

Prior art search tests the strength or validity of an existing patent.

2. Timing

Patentability search happens before filing a patent application.

Prior art search occurs after filing, granting, or during legal disputes.

3. Scope

Patentability search focuses mainly on patents and published patent applications.

Prior art search covers all public knowledge, including non-patent literature.

4. Outcome

Patentability search guides whether to proceed with a patent.

Prior art search supports legal actions, risk analysis, and business decisions.

Why Both Searches Are Crucial

Many inventors mistakenly believe that one search is enough. However, each serves a different strategic purpose.

For example, a patentability search won’t reveal a public product launch that happened five years ago with no published patent. That’s where a prior art search is critical. Similarly, relying solely on prior art searches won’t help you assess whether to file a new patent.

When used together, these searches form a comprehensive strategy for innovation protection, competitive intelligence, and litigation readiness.

Case Study: Patent Filing Gone Wrong

A startup in California developed a smart helmet for cyclists that tracks head movement and alerts emergency contacts after a crash. Confident in their novelty, they skipped the patentability search and filed directly. After months of waiting, the USPTO examiner rejected the application due to a prior international patent with very similar claims.

Worse, when they launched the product, they were sued by a competitor who held a valid patent for similar technology. A subsequent prior art search revealed a university thesis from 2009 that could have invalidated the competitor’s patent — if found sooner.

Lesson? Do both searches early to avoid legal and financial risks.

When Should You Conduct These Searches?

Before filing a provisional or utility patent: Start with a patentability search to assess your idea.

Before product launch or market entry: Use a prior art search or freedom-to-operate search.

Before investing in R&D: Combine both searches to plan your innovation roadmap.

Before buying or licensing IP: Validate the strength of existing patents with a prior art search.

During patent disputes: Use prior art to challenge a claim or defend your own.

FAQs

Is a patentability search legally required? No, but it’s strongly recommended to avoid wasted filing fees and rejections.

Can a prior art search prevent patent infringement? It helps, but it cannot guarantee freedom from litigation. It minimizes risk.

How much do these searches cost? Patentability searches typically range from $300 to $1,000. Prior art searches may cost more due to their depth and scope.

How long do they take? A professional patentability search takes 3–7 days. A detailed prior art search may take 1–2 weeks, depending on complexity.

Can I do the search myself? You can use Google Patents or USPTO search tools. But professionals access global databases and understand how to interpret results effectively.

What if I find something similar in the search? Don’t panic. Slight differences may still allow for patenting with well-crafted claims. Consult with a patent attorney.

Professional Support Is Key

While online tools exist, they’re not a substitute for experience. Skilled professionals understand how to search globally, interpret results accurately, and support your goals — whether it’s drafting strong claims or invalidating a competitor’s patent.

For inventors, startups, and corporations alike, partnering with a patent search expert offers peace of mind, avoids wasted effort, and strengthens your innovation pipeline.

Conclusion

Both patentability searches and prior art searches are vital tools in the patent world. Though they serve different purposes, they complement each other. One ensures you’re not reinventing the wheel. The other ensures you’re not stepping on legal landmines.

Before spending money on drafting and filing or launching a product into the market, invest in the right search. Your innovation deserves to be protected — properly and strategically.

Ready to Validate Your Idea?

Don’t leave your invention’s success to chance. A thorough patentability search can give you the clarity and confidence to move forward.

Patentability search services by The Patent Experts help you assess if your invention is novel and non-obvious. Our detailed novelty search services identify prior art, patented technology, and potential conflicts before you file a patent application. Get clear insights to support patent drafting, reduce rejections, and align with USPTO standards.

Start your innovation journey with confidence. Trust our professionals to uncover key insights from a thorough patent search, ensuring your invention stands strong against existing patents. Whether you’re a startup or an experienced inventor, our services guide you toward a successful patent filing.