| COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE
SEARCH |
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What it is: Competitive intelligence research
is statistical analysis for technology trends and
technology leaders.
Why it's important: Can help you focus
your work by identifying those technology areas that
are highly-developed and those in which little innovation
has been done. Shows you what companies are citing
your patents and which of your patents are most highly
cited in US, PCT and EPO patents plus other major
countries.
| PATENT ASSIGNEE/INVENTOR
SEARCH |
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What it is: Search to locate patents issued/published
to a particular Company(s) or Inventor(s) at publication.
Why it's important: Shows you the companies
and individuals working in specific fields so you
know whose work to follow or who to partner with.
| PATENT FAMILY/EQUIVALENT/APPLICATION
NUMBER |
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What it is: Search for US/English equivalents
to non-US patents or vice versa from up to 55 patent-issuing
authorities including convention and non-convention
equivalents. Patent family searches provide a listing
of all countries in which a particular patent/application
was filed and English abstract for most families.
Searching on an application number can reveal published/granted
patents, such as an equivalent patent to US, before
it issues in the US.
Why it's important: A patent family search
focuses on an innovation as a whole instead of just
how that innovation is protected in one or more countries.
This information can reveal an innovator’s
strategy — including strengths or weaknesses.
