Post on 13-Apr-2017
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Patent Search
By
Nitin Nair
(c) BananaIP, 2015
Patent Search
Performed to uncover related prior arts/references
May be patent/patent applications, technical papers, articles or any source available to the public
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Search Databases
Free databases
USPTO, Espacenet, Google Patents
Paid databases
Delphion, Micropatent, Thomson Scientific, Questel
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Search methodologies
Keyword Searches
Classification based searches
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Keyword Searches
Detailed as possible
Use as many synonyms/variations in terminology as possible
Boolean operators
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Keyword Searches - Example
A flexible hollow cylindrical length of plastic, where both ends of the cylinder are open. The diameter of the cylinder may be very small, as compared to the height of the cylinder. The plastic may be of a single colour or may have a design on the outer surface.
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Keyword Searches - Example
Possible keywords: Cylinder, hollow, flexible, tube
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Keyword Searches - Example
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Keyword Searches - Example
Possible keywords: plane, aircraft, three engines, tail mounted engine, turboprop
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Drawbacks
Inconsistent terminologies
Non-English patent documents/translations
Keyword Searches
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Classification based searches
Patents are classified into various classes
Search is performed within classes
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Types of classifications
IPC
ECLA
USPTO Classification
Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
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Classification based searches
USPTO 7 step strategyDiscover keywordsFind potential classes using classification indexVerify classes using classification scheduleVerify scope use class definitionsSearch for patents in the identified classesRetrieve relevant patentsCheck other sources
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Classification based searches
USPTO 7 step strategyDiscover keywordsFind potential classes from relevant patents
identified using the keywordsVerify classes using classification scheduleVerify scope using class definitionsSearch for patents in the identified classesRetrieve relevant patentsCheck other sources
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Google Patents - Search
http://patents.google.com
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USPTO search
http://uspto.gov
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Tips
Citations
Searched classes
Inventors
Assignee
Family members
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Types of searches
Patentability Analysis
Freedom to Operate Analysis
Landscape Analysis
Infringement Analysis
Invalidity Search
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Patentability Analysis
To understand the prior arts that may affect the chance of obtaining a patent for an invention and assist in preparing the draft
Novelty
Non-obviousness
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Landscape Analysis
To understand the technology and areas of research
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Infringement Analysis
To check if a product infringes on a patent
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FTO Analysis
To check if a product/process may be practiced in a jurisdiction
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Invalidity Analysis
To search for at least one prior art which will invalidate a patent