Patent Study Research Process

Performing and submitting research on an Article One Study involves a mixture of creativity, organization and persistence.  Combine that with your knowledge and research skills to get started with the following process:

Choose a Study Learn about the Technology Choose the best Resources Perform your Searches Submit the best References

Detailed Research Steps

To dive deeper into the research process, our team developed the following layout as the most efficient and effective way to search for excellent prior art.  This is based on feedback from our top Researchers, as well as our own experiences.  This process can help to increase your chances of finding the winning technical references.  You can explore even more detail and tips in our Research Process Whitepaper.

Phase 1: Gather Background Information
1. Select a Study based on your interests and expertise
2. Read the Study Description

3. Find General Knowledge 

 - Other related Studies, Personal experience, Wiki and Web search
4. Outline Elements from the Study Description

5. Outline Elements from the Patent PDF based on Claims

- Utilize cited references in the patent
6. Find References describing the History of the Technology for additional background

 

Phase 2: Develop, Run, and Review Searches

1. Apply Search Parameters

- Who: Related companies, inventors, etc. who utilize this technology

- What: Elements of the technology

- When: Latest Date for Prior Art (LDPA)
2. Develop Search Strings - Broad and Narrow
3. Choose Databases - Broad and Narrow
4. Perform Search using multiple sets of Elements and Parameters

5. Review Results against:

- Known References, LDPA, Study Description, Patent and Claims
6. Update Strategy and Repeat Search 

 

Phase 3: Evaluate and Submit

1. Select References that best relate to the:

- Claims

- Study Description

- Known References
2. Submit References!

Provide Research

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Seek Research

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Recent Questions in Brief

  1. Who are Researchers?

    A Researcher is anyone who has signed up on our site. Researchers hail from all over the world -- from India to Texas, and beyond. Over half have advanced degrees. Learn more.

  2. What is a Patent Study?

    A Patent Study is an invitation to our Researchers to submit their research for one or more patents listed in the Patent Study. Learn more.

  3. What is Prior Art?

    Prior Art is all information made publicly available before a given date that could be relevant to a patent’s claims of novelty. Unsure if it is prior art? Just send it in! Learn more.

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