I'm interested in a certain technology field and want to better understand the existing patent landscape for the relevant technologies. How can I get a good overview?
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The execution of a patent search will provide the desired information.
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This search may serve as a starting point for more detailed and advanced clarifications by patent professionals.
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It will identify how strongly a certain technology field is protected by already existing patents.
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It will deliver information about technical features' protection, which is helpful to understand restrictions for your own technical solutions and provides inspiration for new ideas too.
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Key applicants (players) in this fields are identified to derive business-related conclusions.
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For more advanced clarifications, deeper insights, and reliable conclusions, advice from a patent professional is required.
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Execute a simple patent search using a global patent database.
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This search can be based on keywords, technical descriptions, or patent technology classes (CPC, IPC).
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Its results can be sorted by different criteria, depending on the purpose of the search:
- Relevance of the search result.
- Applicant names, to understand key players in a field.
- Countries or regions, to understand local impact.
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Review the patent information retrieved for a first overview and insights.
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Only first clarifications are typically possible without being a patent professional.
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A wise approach is advised. Simple patent searches provide a first understanding that will be completed by the advanced searches and analytics provided by patent professionals.
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More advanced patent search tools, combined with professional experience in patent searches, increase the quality and completeness of the search.
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The level of insight gained from such searches can be increased using advanced patent analytics tools and experienced patent professionals.
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Legal clarifications and conclusions should always be supported by qualified attorneys.