State of the Art Patent Search

A State of the Art patent search is the broadest of all patent searches and is used to gain an overall perspective of a particular patent field. A State of the Art Search is used to help guide strategy - at both an IP and corporate level - and can help deliver long-term market advantage.

Moving Patent Search from the specific to the general

Generally Patent Search has a very narrow and fairly short-term focus. It is concerned with establishing the novelty of a particular invention or the invalidity of an individual patent. A State of the Art patent search takes a broader view.

Establishing the State of the Art

A State of the Art Patent Search is a comprehensive review of all patent literature in a particular field. The goal is to form a big picture of the state of play in a defined technology field. It can also include all of the non-patent literature in a particular field. Another way of assessing the State of the Art and attaining a more visual indication of what is going on is a Patent Landscape Search.

Who needs a State of the Art Patent Search?

There are two (2) situations in which a State of the Art patent search is useful:

  • Entering a new field either through investment or acquisition
  • Determining research direction

Entering a New Field

A State of the Art Patent Search should be carried out before entering a new field so you have a clear picture of what are the latest developments and what areas of the field have been pursued previously – either through investment or acquisition. It can help determine the competitiveness of a particular field and the likelihood of long term profitability.

Determining Research Direction

A State of the Art Patent Search can also help organisations already active in a particular area determine the most appropriate future direction for their research by understanding the latest developments in the field or by rethinking what has been tried in the past.

What to search in a State of the Art Patent Search

A State of the Art Patent Search must be wide enough to ensure it captures all relevant references in a particular field but not so wide that includes unrelated documents. Filament can help frame your State of the art patent search to try to ensure you don't miss any relevant references, while minimising the "noise" of irrelevant references.

Why State of the Art Patent Searches are a wise investment

Increasingly, corporate strategy is driven by IP strategy and you can't formulate IP strategy without conducting an effective state of the art patent search. Smart organisations regularly conduct state of the art patent searches to check their bearings and ensure their current course is still the most likely to deliver the best outcome for shareholders and investors.

Learn more about Searching

Learn more about our other Patent Search services or contact Filament today to discuss your State of the Art Search requirements.

gain an overall perspective