Cross-border e-commerce patent search skills and applications
Cross-border e-commerce involves many patent search needs, whether it is WIPO patent search, WIPO advanced search or European patent search, each search method has its unique advantages and applicable scenarios. This article will comprehensively introduce the different patent search methods and their specific operations involved in the field of cross-border e-commerce.
WIPO Patent Search
The Patent Office has more than 100 million patent documents, forming a huge database. Patentscope supports operation interfaces in nine different languages, making cross-border searches more convenient. A simple search is similar to the quick search of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Just enter keywords in the search box and specify the search field to obtain relevant information. For example, to search for all patents owned by Steve Jobs, you would enter “Steve Jobs” in the Name field.
WIPO Advanced Search
Compared with USPTO, WIPO’s advanced search function is more powerful, not only supporting proximity operators but also stemming functions. For example, to find all patents filed by Sebastian Tim between 2009 and 2017 regarding juice machines or juicing cups, you can use the following command: IN: (Tim) AND DP:[2009 TO 2017] AND EN AB:(juicer machine or juicer cup). Here IN represents the inventor, DP represents the publication date, and EN_AB represents the English abstract. In addition, the cross-language expansion feature is also very useful, which provides keyword variations in different languages.
European Patent Search
The European Patent Database (Espacenet) contains 95 million patent documents around the world and provides free patent search services. Espacenet is updated daily and has special tools such as global archives and Common Patent Citation (CCD). Search results will be incomplete if you rely solely on national patent office websites without considering European patent databases.
Design patent search
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) maintains a database of more than 1.73 million industrial designs. When searching for design patents, users can search by entering keywords, product names, etc. In addition, the search can be further narrowed by the name of the designer or the name of the patent holder.
UK Patent Office database search
The UK Patent Office Database is a comprehensive online resource with an extensive collection of patent application and grant records dating back to 1852. Through the database, users can easily conduct patent information queries, leverage advanced search options to precisely filter results, view detailed patent documents, and save or export query results for subsequent research.
Challenges of foreign patent searches
Although foreign patent search websites provide convenience, there are also problems such as incomplete information and language barriers. In addition, search results that are too broad or too narrow, limited analysis tools, paid access restrictions, and delayed information updates are all challenges that users may encounter during use.
Ways and methods for searching foreign patents
Searching for foreign patents can be carried out through various methods such as paper search, software search and online search. Among them, online search has become the first choice because of its convenience and timeliness. At the same time, using professional patent search engines such as Google Patent, Espacenet, WIPO, etc. can also effectively improve search efficiency.
Through the various patent search methods mentioned above, cross-border e-commerce sellers can better avoid infringement risks, understand the relevant patent situation in the industry, and use the patent system to protect their own rights and interests and promote business development.