What are the advantages of patent search?

Test of Inventiveness

Before paying the government fees for a patent, it is sensible to do a search to test the inventiveness of the product or process. It's the only way to know how likely it is for your patent to be granted. While you may be aware of what has already been shown to have commercial uses, it is entirely possible that a competitor has patented a product or process similar to yours, but not begun using it yet.

Improves Approval Chances