In the era of modern knowledge economy, patents have become one of the important means of competition for many enterprises and individuals. Before applying for a patent, it is very necessary to search for existing related patented technologies, so as to avoid repeated inventions and save time and money. This article will introduce how to find patent information abroad.
1. Use patent database.
International patent databases are the most commonly used way to search for patented technologies. Currently, the largest patent database in the world is the PatentScope database maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The database contains patent documents from around the world and can be searched in a variety of ways, such as keywords, applicants, countries, classification numbers, etc.
In addition to the PatentScope database, there are other patent databases that are also very useful, such as the USPTO of the United States Patent Office, Espacenet of the European Patent Office, J-PlatPat of the Japan Patent Office, etc. The patent office of each country and region has its own patent database, and you can choose different databases to search according to your needs.
2. Use patent search tools.
Patent search tools can help users quickly find patent documents related to the technology they are concerned about. These tools use natural language processing technology to convert user-entered questions into patent search query language, perform query operations in the patent database, and then return relevant patent documents. Commonly used patent search tools include PatSnap, InnovationQ, Derwent Innovation, etc.
3. Search for patent citations.
Patent citation refers to the situation where a patent document cites other patent documents. By searching for patent citations, you can find other patent documents related to the target technology, further expanding the search scope. In the United States Patent Office’s database, the USPTO, you can use the “Cited by” function to find patent citations. Related features can also be found in other patent databases.
4. Use patent analysis tools.
Patent analysis tools can help users analyze and mine patent information. These tools can help users analyze patent technology trends, competitive situations, technology hot spots and other information. Commonly used patent analysis tools include PatSeer, Derwent Analytics, etc.
In short, it is very important to search for patented technologies abroad. It can help us better understand technological trends and market dynamics, avoid repeated inventions, and improve the success rate of patent applications. The methods and tools introduced above can help users find patent information quickly and effectively.