How do you compare your R&D ideas to existing patents?

1 Step 1: Define your R&D idea

The first step is to define your R&D idea clearly and concisely. You should identify the main features, functions, benefits, and applications of your idea. You should also consider the technical challenges, risks, and costs involved in developing and implementing your idea. This will help you narrow down your search scope and focus on the most relevant patents.

2 Step 2: Find relevant patent databases

The next step is to find relevant patent databases where you can search for existing patents related to your R&D idea. There are many patent databases available online, such as Google Patents, Espacenet, WIPO, and USPTO. You should choose the ones that cover the geographic regions, industries, and technologies that are most relevant to your R&D idea. You should also familiarize yourself with the search features, filters, and tools of each database.

3 Step 3: Conduct keyword and classification searches

The third step is to conduct keyword and classification searches to find existing patents related to your R&D idea. Keyword searches involve using words or phrases that describe your R&D idea or its features, functions, benefits, or applications. You should use synonyms, variations, and combinations of keywords to increase your search results. Classification searches involve using codes or symbols that categorize patents according to their technical fields or subfields. You should use the classification systems of each database to find the codes or symbols that match your R&D idea or its features, functions, benefits, or applications.

4 Step 4: Analyze and compare the patent results

The fourth step is to analyze and compare the patent results that you obtained from your keyword and classification searches. You should look at the title, abstract, claims, drawings, and specifications of each patent to understand the invention and its technical details. You should also look at the date, status, assignee, inventor, and citations of each patent to understand the legal and commercial aspects of the invention. You should compare the patent results to your R&D idea and identify the similarities, differences, gaps, and opportunities.

5 Step 5: Evaluate the patentability and novelty of your R&D idea

The fifth step is to evaluate the patentability and novelty of your R&D idea based on your analysis and comparison of the patent results. Patentability refers to the criteria that an invention must meet to be eligible for a patent, such as novelty, non-obviousness, usefulness, and industrial applicability. Novelty refers to the degree of difference or improvement that an invention has over the prior art, which is the existing knowledge or technology in the same field. You should assess whether your R&D idea meets the patentability criteria and how novel it is compared to the prior art.

6 Step 6: Decide on the next steps for your R&D idea

The final step is to decide on the next steps for your R&D idea based on your evaluation of the patentability and novelty of your R&D idea. You might decide to pursue a patent application, modify or refine your R&D idea, explore new directions or applications, collaborate or license with other inventors or assignees, or abandon or drop your R&D idea. You should also consider the time, cost, and risk involved in each option and the potential benefits and outcomes for your R&D idea.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?