INTRODUCTION

Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) play a crucial role in technology by ensuring compliance with industry standards in fields like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Specialized databases, both unpaid (e.g., Espacenet, WIPO Patentscope) and paid, are essential for effective SEP searches. These resources help researchers identify whether patents are essential to standards and facilitate thorough analysis. Additionally, databases maintained by Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) like ETSI offer up-to-date information on SEPs.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF DATABASES IN SEP PATENT SEARCH STRATEGIES

Databases are crucial for exploring Standard Essential Patents (SEPs), providing specialized tools and resources that support effective patent research strategies.

• Utilize Extensive Patent Datasets: Researchers can develop targeted search techniques for SEPs using keywords, classification codes, inventor names, and assignee details from comprehensive patent databases.
• Employ Advanced Search Strategies: Techniques like proximity search, wildcard characters, Boolean operators, and semantic search help refine results to focus on SEP-related patents.
• Access Specialized Databases: Some databases offer insights into patents aligned with specific standards or industries, such as IEEE standards or telecommunications.

• Leveraging Extensive Patent Datasets: Databases provide vast patent collections, allowing researchers to craft precise search queries using keywords, classification codes, inventor names, and assignee details to identify potential SEPs.
• Applying Advanced Search Techniques: Sophisticated search methods, including proximity searches, wildcard characters, Boolean operators, and semantic searches, help refine results and focus specifically on SEP-related patents.
• Utilizing Specialized Resources: Some databases are tailored to provide insights into patents related to particular standards or industries, such as IEEE standards or telecommunications, aiding in targeted research.

LIST OF UNPAID DATABASES

Here’s a list of notable unpaid databases:

• Espacenet (European Patent Office)
• WIPO Patentscope (World Intellectual Property Organization)
• Google Patents
• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Patent Full-Text and Image Database
• PatentScope (WIPO)
• The Lens
• FreePatentsOnline
• SIPO Patent Search (State Intellectual Property Office of China)
• J-PlatPat (Japan Platform for Patent Information)
• DEPATISne (German Patent and Trademark Office)

LIST OF PAID DATABASES

Here’s a list of notable paid databases for patent research:

• Derwent Innovation
• LexisNexis PatentSight
• PatBase
• Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters)
• Questel Orbit
• WIPR (World Intellectual Property Review)
• Cortex IP
• Patsnap
• EPOQUE
• ICAP Patent Brokerage

HOW MANY USERS USE UNPAID DATABASES

• Exact user numbers for unpaid patent databases like Espacenet and WIPO Patentscope are not typically disclosed, but they are widely used globally. Espacenet, from the European Patent Office, is accessed by millions and offers over 150 million patent documents. WIPO Patentscope, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization, is also widely used for international patent research. These databases are crucial for patent searches and technology tracking, ensuring broad utilization despite the lack of specific user statistics.

HOW MANY USERS USE PAID DATABASES

User numbers for paid patent databases vary and are often not publicly disclosed, but they serve a substantial number of users globally.

• Derwent Innovation is widely used by thousands of companies and legal professionals.
• PatBase is accessed by numerous organizations and patent experts.
• LexisNexis TotalPatent One serves many legal professionals and researchers.
• IFI CLAIMS is utilized by enterprises and research institutions.
• PatentScope offers premium services used by various professionals.

These databases are valued for their advanced search capabilities and comprehensive global patent coverage.

CONCLUSION

Both unpaid and paid databases are invaluable for identifying declared and undeclared SEP patents through strategic searches using keywords and classification codes.

About Effectual Services

Effectual Services is an award-winning Intellectual Property (IP) management advisory & consulting firm offering IP intelligence to Fortune 500 companies, law firms, research institutes and universities, and venture capital firms/PE firms, globally.

Through research & intelligence we help our clients in taking critical business decisions backed with credible data sources, which in turn helps them achieve their organisational goals, foster innovation and achieve milestones within timelines while optimising costs.

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