What is the next step after a patent search? How?

If you have a reliable patent search in hand, you may wish to have a patent attorney render a novelty opinion. The opinion will give you some visibility as to how patentable the invention is in view of the prior art you have found. Alternatively, and assuming you are already comfortable with the patentability of your invention, you should file a patent application at your earliest opportunity. The least expensive and quickest route is to file a provisional patent application. But, you can also file a regular utility application or international patent application if you prefer. From the wording of your question, it would appear that you may have engaged the services of an invention submission company. They tend to want to give you all kinds of useless advice about marketing your invention, and bringing it to market. Those sorts of companies tend to be weak in their patent searches because if they find something that anticipates your invention, it will cut off their future income stream from you. Our firm can review your search results against a description of your invention and give you an opinion on patentability also known as a novelty opinion. We would be happy to quote you cost estimates and advise you of your options if you are interested with no obligation. As always, you should always consult with a registered patent attorney to explore all of your options in protecting your intellectual property based on you unique factual scenario and invention.

It depends on what (if any) contract you signed with the research company. Did you agree that they could write and file your patent application? If yes - then you continue to work with them. Note - beware of a company that wants to file ONLY a design application. Otherwise, hire a patent attorney to write, file and prosecute your patent application. Depending upon the nature of the invention and the type of filing (provisional vs. regular utility) your cost could go up to $10,000.