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.