Synoptic IP’s Approach to conducting Novelty Search.

Synoptic IP’s team of expert engineers and analysts have delivered actionable insights and reports to the clients from all over the world. Here is a glimpse into the search methodology that is used by our experts to perform the Novelty Search:

• Understanding the subject matter:
  • Invention Disclosure analysis: The invention disclosure is assigned to a team of dedicated engineers. The team encompasses expert individuals who all have worked on various multi-domain projects.
  • Key-features Preparation: The invention disclosure is thoroughly analyzed and discussed among the team members. The key features are constructed from the disclosure in such a way that they highlight every aspect of the invention with a special emphasis on the novel elements.
  • Discussion with Client/Inventor: The extracted keywords and key features are discussed with the client and team also shares their search approach on the subject matter. Any feedback or instructions from the client are integrated into the search approach.
  • Search Strategy Formulation: The technologies related to the invention are also reviewed to find the exact technical equivalent of the specific terms. The search strategies are constructed for each and every feature by utilizing the keywords and their synonyms/ technical equivalents.
• Search on Patent Databases: A keyword based Patent Search and Analysis is conducted using the professional patent databases.
  • Search Strings Preparation: Search strings are prepared using extracted keywords and their synonyms/technical equivalents. Boolean expressions are utilized to develop search string which covers the relevant prior arts.  Synoptic IP has access to various paid patent databases. These databases house patents and non-patent literature of 150+ countries, which are otherwise difficult to find on free databases.  The search is conducted using paid as well as free databases to ensure overall coverage.
• Combining AI with Human search Skills: Our analysts have access to AI driven search engine and database. The database utilizes neural networks which are trained weekly with new patent filings. This intelligent software assists analysts to uncover relevant and useful information. The keyword based search results are often used as a starting point for AI based search.
• Classification and Citation Search: The relevant classifications such as IPC, CPC and JP F-TERM are identified. Identified classes are paired with broad key strings to capture any additional patents relevant to the domain.  The backward and forward citations of the identified relevant results are thoroughly studied to determine their relevancy.
• Assignee and Inventor Search: Our search techniques include examining the relevant assignees and inventors in the concerned field. This can help identify potential competitors in the market.
• Non Patent Literature (NPL) Search: Non patent literature is any publication or document that is not an issued or published patent application. The NPL search include searching through research journals, books, product disclosures, public conferences, design databases, news, research articles, dissertations, university databases, videos, social media and so on.

Click here for list of NPL databases we use.

• Report Preparation: Individual key features are mapped against all the identified relevant prior arts and presented in an MS Word and PDF file along with additional useful information.
  • Interim reports: We share interim reports to update client on the search progress and initial findings. Findings are discussed and any suggestions from the client/inventor are incorporated into the search methodology for the final report.
  • Moreover, customized reports can be requested as per the client’s requirement.