Pat has two purposes: to grant the inventor ownership and prevent others claim ownership to it. In the study, patents encourage innovation, because it ensures that the work of researchers to focus on new ideas. Patent search can help researchers avoid wasting valuable time and money in a non-original work. Especially if the researchers prepare their own patents, it is very important.
As we all know, things patents involved are very complicated. So how can very well conduct a patent search? Here, two young researchers Matthew and Jennifer discuss how to efficiently retrieve and review patents.
Patent basics
Matthew: "My supervisor asked me to consider the new products we are studying patent, but I do not know where to start."
Jennifer: "First, to ensure compliance with the requirements of patent applications, for example, in the United States, your thoughts must be more than just a theory, it must be useful in the 'real world', that is to be 'the real deal' in the implementation of the new invention. when this kind of process, which is to play point innovation need to consider. Also, your invention must be original. "
Patent type
Matthew: "ah, our invention meet these criteria, however, there are many different types of patents it.?"
Jennifer: ". Yes, most inventions are registered as a utility patent covers new or improved products in addition to product design patents covering product design and decoration.."
Matthew: "I definitely need a utility patent that I should continue to apply for it.?"
Jennifer:! "Wait There are five types of utility patent process is a first or a second method of producing the result is a machine, for example, a new medical scanner third component is industrial products (final products... as the new computer chip). the fourth component is a substance, such as new compounds. Finally, the fifth one is for any improvement in the first four. "
Matthew: "I see. I think I need to see the first type: a process or method."
Jennifer: "The next step you need to do is to conduct a comprehensive patent search to make sure that your patented invention have not won previously."
Patent Search: Where to start?
Matthew: "I am now ready to start the patent search where to start with a better arrangement.?"
Jennifer: "Some patent office data can be retrieved for free, including the European Patent Office and the US Patent and Trademark Office for Canada, they have a Canadian patent database, however, is the basic search function usually beginning as a person, you may not find... you want something. I suggest that Google patent from the beginning. it's free, you can access the data seven Patent Office. If you work with a patent match is found, then you can stop the retrieval. If you do not find you you can continue to use paid services such as LifeQuest. "
For details of patent
Matthew: "! I started looking for a patent, but they were too complicated I fear that I might miss important details."
Jennifer: "When I first started searching patent, I got some good advice that you need to understand some of the first considerations is the life of a patent is retrieved, you will see the authorized patents and patent... application for patent application, review often takes several years. If the audit is successful, the date of the patent from the date of grant is valid for 20 years. "
Matthew: "! This is useful to know what I need?"
Jennifer:... "You need to understand the patent family is a group of patent families related to patent priority date is the date of the date of the first patent application when the same application in several countries / regions, are applying for patents it was the same patent family. for example, you might submit to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) application .WIPO unpatentable, but it can give you a priority date so if you submit an application in one country, you can apply after the use the same priority date. this means you do not have to rush to submit applications in different countries at the same time. "
Matthew: "I do not understand what's the use?"
Jennifer: ". Know patent family, you do not have to review the same patent applications in different countries, this will save you a lot of time."
Search strategy
Matthew: "Now I understand, but I found worldwide patents about 80 million to 100 million how do I retrieve!!?"
Jennifer: "A good search strategy is crucial First, pay attention to choose the right keywords Remember that word associated with a particular topic may change over time inventor may deliberately avoid the use of its products the most obvious... Key words. try to pass some tests of retrieving your keywords and then narrow your search, try by title, date or summary filter the results. Finally, make sure to check the "statement" section of the patent. in this section, invention We must accurately describe their products, so you are more likely to get matched to keywords. "
Review Patents
Matthew: "Every patent is so long as to how quickly review what skills they do!?"
Jennifer: "The first trick is to skip the title of the patent is a common descriptive title usually will not provide useful information you can skim and digest different research papers, patent abstract is usually not a good generalization patent content.... go directly to the declaration section. this section describes the actual invention, therefore carefully study it. "
Matthew: "Then I need to read the rest of the patent do?"
Jennifer: "When you're looking for is a patented type declaration section describes when you continue reading you can continue to view other parts of the picture, sometimes, the picture helps to understand the meaning of the patent and then read or features described in this section... given the background of the invention and the other more detailed information. I have shared all I know about the patent situation. I wish you a successful patent applications. "
Have you conducted a patent search in the research process? What experiences have you in retrieving and reviewing patents? Please share in the comments section below your thoughts and experiences.