Patent map creation method and patent search method for engineers and researchers

Understanding Patent Maps

A patent map is a visual representation of patent data that helps researchers and engineers to understand technological trends, competition, and potential gaps in the market.
It serves as a strategic tool to analyze existing patents and to evaluate areas where new inventions might be developed.
Before diving into creating patent maps, it’s crucial to have a basic understanding of patents.
A patent is a legal document that grants the inventor exclusive rights to an invention for a certain period, usually 20 years.

Why Patent Maps are Important

Patent maps provide numerous benefits to engineers and researchers.
By offering a visual format, they simplify complex patent data, making it easier to draw insights.
With patent maps, it’s easier to identify trends, such as which technologies are growing or declining.
This helps in making informed decisions about research directions or potential investment areas.
Moreover, they enable competitive analysis, revealing who’s active in a particular domain and thus allowing for the development of strategic partnerships or competitive strategies.

Steps to Create a Patent Map

Step 1: Define the Objective

Before creating a patent map, decide on the objective.
Are you looking for gaps in the market?
Or are you interested in understanding trends in a specific technology?
Clear objectives allow for a focused and efficient mapping process.
Different objectives may require different types of maps, such as technology trend maps or competition maps.

Step 2: Conduct a Patent Search

A thorough patent search is the backbone of any effective patent map.
This involves using patent databases to collect relevant patent information.
Popular databases like Google Patents, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), or the European Patent Office (EPO) are excellent resources.
Search by relevant keywords, inventor names, or by the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes to get comprehensive results.
Filtering out irrelevant patents based on set criteria will save time and sharpen your focus.

Step 3: Data Collection and Organization

After gathering the required patent data, organize it efficiently.
Create a structured data set including details like patent numbers, filing dates, IPC codes, assignees, and technology types.
Organizing data in tables or spreadsheets enhances clarity and prepares the information for visualization.

Step 4: Data Analysis

Analyze the data to extract meaningful insights.
This may involve identifying patterns, trends, and correlations within the patent data.
Use analytical tools or software to process the data quantitatively if needed.
Analysis assists in categorizing the data ready for mapping and understanding how it aligns with your objectives.

Step 5: Choose the Right Visualization Tool

Selecting the appropriate tool for creating your patent map is crucial.
Software like VantagePoint, PATILite, or simple tools like Microsoft Excel can be used for basic mapping.
For more sophisticated needs, consider specialized patent mapping software such as Patent iNSIGHT Pro or Minesoft’s PatBase.
These tools offer advanced features and customization options for creating intuitive maps.

Step 6: Create the Patent Map

With your organized and analyzed data, create your patent map.
Decide which type of map best suits your needs—whether it’s a scatter plot, pie chart, or heat map.
A well-constructed map will clearly show relationships and patterns in the patent landscape.
Add labels and legends to assist in the interpretation, and ensure that the map’s design highlights key findings.

Effective Patent Search Techniques

Conducting a patent search effectively can be challenging.
But with the right techniques, it becomes a rewarding exercise.

Use Boolean Operators

Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT are crucial in refining search results.
Using these operators allows you to combine or exclude terms in your search, leading to more precise results.
For example, a search query could be “smartphone AND display NOT LCD” if looking for patents not involving LCD technology.

Leverage Classification Codes

Patent classifications, like the IPC or the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), categorize patents into specific technological areas.
These codes help in narrowing down your search to relevant patent documents within those categories.
Using classification codes ensures that you don’t miss any patent documents that are relevant but may not specifically mention your keywords.

Search Across Multiple Databases

No single database covers all patents worldwide comprehensively.
Conduct searches across multiple databases for thoroughness.
The combination of free resources like Google Patents and more specialized databases like Espacenet or national patent offices offers a broader view.

Iterative Searching

Refine your search continuously.
Begin with broad terms and progressively narrow down as you discover more information.
Iterative searching allows you to adjust your strategy, ensuring no relevant patents are overlooked.

Conclusion

For engineers and researchers, creating a patent map and conducting a patent search effectively is invaluable.
It requires clear objectives, orderly data organization, skillful analysis, and the right visualization tools.
Mastering these techniques opens up possibilities for innovation, competitive analysis, and research advancements in your field.
By harnessing the power of patents, you position yourself strategically in the ever-evolving technological landscape.