What is the PATOffice Research?
The research is the fully comprehensive search in external, verified databases. This gives you access to over 150 million patent data worldwide.
You can save your research in an existing or a new workspace project and work on it together with your team.
Please find explanations of the single entries below:
Patent number
The patent number is the number a patent application is given once it is filed. It serves as the unique identifier of a patent.
If you are searching for a specific patent and you already know the number, then this is the field you need to fill.
Application number:
The patent application number is a unique identification code assigned to a specific patent application. It serves as a reference number that uniquely identifies and distinguishes the application from others filed within the same patent office. The format of the application number can vary between different patent offices and jurisdictions, but it typically includes alphanumeric characters. The application number allows for easy tracking, referencing, and retrieval of the patent application throughout the application process. It is used by patent offices, inventors, attorneys, and other stakeholders to locate and monitor the status of a particular patent application.
Title, abstract or claim
In order to look a little broader you may fil this field with text that should be part of either the title, the abstract and/or the claim. The PATOffice search will look in all 3 places if the term you inserted is part of it.
The title is the document title, the abstract is the summary of the patent and the claims can be found in the numbered list, mostly in the beginning of the document, that shows everything the patent should cover.
Inventor
A patent inventor is the individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the creation of an invention. They are the ones responsible for conceiving and developing the inventive idea or concept. The inventor is typically named in the patent application and plays a crucial role in providing technical details, drawings, and explanations to support the patent claims. In many jurisdictions, the inventor is required to be named and acknowledged in the patent document. However, it's important to note that the inventor may not always be the same as the patent applicant, as ownership and assignment of patent rights can vary based on employment agreements or other contractual arrangements.
Applicant
A patent applicant is an individual, organization, or entity that applies for a patent with the purpose of securing exclusive rights to an invention. The applicant is the party seeking legal protection for their invention and is responsible for providing a detailed description of the invention, its technical aspects, and its potential applications.
Assignee
An assignee in the context of patents refers to the individual, organization, or entity to whom the rights of a patent have been transferred or assigned. The assignee is the party that legally holds the ownership or control over the patent rights. They may be the original inventor who retains the rights or another entity to whom the inventor has transferred the rights through an assignment agreement. The assignee is responsible for managing and enforcing the patent, including the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention. The assignee's name is typically recorded in the patent document and is an important piece of information for identifying the current owner or holder of the patent rights.
Applicant + Assignee
See above "Applicant" and "Assignee" together.
Application date range
The patent application date range refers to the period during which an applicant can file their patent application. It begins on the date the application is filed with the patent office and ends when the application is either granted or abandoned. This range represents the timeframe within which the applicant's rights are established and determines priority over similar inventions filed after the application date.
Publication date range
The patent publication date range refers to the timeframe in which a patent application is made publicly available. It starts from the date of publication by the patent office and extends until the patent is either granted or abandoned. During this period, the details of the patent application, including the invention's description and claims, become accessible to the public.
All text fields
To search in all text fields of the patent, either title, date ranges or names of persons or companies, you may fill this field with whatever information you are interested in. Filling this out will not restrict the search to sepcific text fields, but will search in all text fields available.
Title
The patent title is a brief and descriptive name given to a patent document, which represents the main subject or focus of the invention. It serves as a concise label or heading that provides a general idea of what the patent document encompasses. The patent title is designed to be informative, specific, and representative of the invention, helping users quickly identify and understand the nature of the invention without having to read the entire document. A well-crafted patent title effectively captures the essence of the invention, allowing researchers, inventors, and other interested parties to easily locate and assess the relevance of the patent document to their needs.
Now it is getting a little bit more specific. Everything you enter here will be limited to the search of titles.
This is important to note, as terms that are not in the title, but might be part of the claims or the abstract will not be shown.
Abstract
The patent abstract is a concise summary of a patent document that provides a brief overview of the invention. It is typically a standalone paragraph or a few paragraphs at the beginning of the patent document. The purpose of the abstract is to provide a clear and concise understanding of the technical aspects, features, and potential applications of the invention without delving into excessive detail. It serves as a summary to help readers quickly grasp the essence of the invention before delving into the more detailed description, claims, and drawings of the patent document. The abstract plays an important role in facilitating patent searches and enabling interested parties to assess the novelty and relevance of the invention.
Filling this out has the same prerequisites as the title above. Everything you enter here, will only be searched in the text field of the abstract.
Claims
Patent claims are the most critical part of a patent document and define the scope and boundaries of the protection sought for an invention. They are legally enforceable statements that describe the specific elements, features, and characteristics of the invention for which the applicant seeks exclusive rights. Patent claims serve as a technical and legal framework to clearly define what is covered by the patent and what falls outside its protection. They outline the unique aspects or novel combinations of the invention that distinguish it from existing technologies. Patent claims are typically written in a specific format, using precise and technical language to provide a clear and detailed description of the invention's essential elements. By interpreting and assessing the patent claims, one can understand the extent of the protection granted by the patent and assess potential infringement by other parties.
Filling this out has the same prerequisites as the title and abstract above. Everything you enter here, will only be searched in the text field of the claims.
Description
The patent description, also known as the specification, is a detailed written explanation of an invention provided within a patent document. It serves as a comprehensive disclosure of the invention's technical aspects, functionality, and practical implementation. The description typically includes background information, a summary of the invention, a detailed explanation of its components or steps, and often includes accompanying figures, diagrams, or examples to aid in understanding. The patent description aims to enable someone skilled in the relevant field to replicate and understand the invention based on the information provided. It provides context, technical details, and supporting information to substantiate the claims made in the patent. The description plays a vital role in providing a complete understanding of the invention and supporting the patent claims during examination and potential legal disputes.
Filling this out has the same prerequisites as the title, abstract and claims above. Everything you enter here, will only be searched in the text field of the description. However please be aware: The description is long and you might find various words and terms in numerous description. We suggest to not only use this text field to look for specific patents.
Family ID
The patent family ID refers to a unique identifier that is assigned to a group of patent documents related to the same invention. It represents a collection of patents and patent applications filed in different countries or regions that share the same priority or common priority application. The patent family ID allows for easy tracking and organization of related patent documents across different jurisdictions. It helps identify and link together various versions of the invention, including granted patents, pending applications, and related documents such as divisional or continuation applications. The patent family ID provides a convenient way to analyze the global coverage and status of an invention and facilitates comprehensive patent searches and monitoring of its legal protection worldwide.
In order to fill this out / to search for a specific family you need to know the exact identifier for this family.
IPC-Class
The International Patent Classification (IPC) is a standardized system used for classifying patents and patent applications based on the technical subject matter they cover. It provides a hierarchical framework that categorizes inventions into different classes, subclasses, groups, and subgroups based on their technological field and characteristics. The IPC system enables efficient searching and retrieval of patent documents by organizing them into specific categories according to their technical content. Each IPC classification code consists of a combination of alphanumeric symbols that represent a particular technical feature or concept associated with the invention. By using the IPC, patent examiners, inventors, researchers, and other stakeholders can navigate through the vast amount of patent information more effectively, identify prior art, and assess the novelty and relevance of inventions within a specific technological domain.
In order to fill this out / to search for a specific family you need to know the exact classification.
CPC-Class
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a patent classification system jointly developed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is based on the International Patent Classification (IPC) system but includes additional detailed subcategories for more precise classification of patent documents. The CPC system provides a comprehensive and granular classification structure that allows for more specific categorization of inventions based on their technical features and characteristics. It enhances the search and retrieval of patent documents by providing more specific and accurate results within a particular technological field. The CPC classification codes consist of a combination of alphanumeric symbols, similar to the IPC system, to represent specific technical features or concepts associated with the invention.
Country code
The country code of a patent refers to the two-letter code that represents the country or jurisdiction in which the patent is granted or registered. Each country or region has its own unique country code assigned to its patents. These codes are typically based on the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standard, which provides internationally recognized codes for countries and territories. Examples of country codes for patents include US (United States), EP (European Patent Office), CN (China), JP (Japan), and DE (Germany). The country code is an essential element for identifying the jurisdiction in which a patent is granted and for distinguishing between patents issued by different countries or regions. It is often included as part of the patent publication or identification number to clearly indicate the country of origin or grant.
Kind code
The kind code in a patent refers to a specific alphanumeric code that indicates the status or type of a patent document within a particular patent system. It provides information about the legal status, publication stage, or type of document associated with the patent. The kind codes can vary between different patent offices and jurisdictions, but they typically follow a standardized format.
Kind codes provide a standardized way to differentiate between various types of patent documents, allowing users to quickly understand the status or nature of a particular patent within a specific patent system.
The most commons we have listed here
A1 first publication of the disclosure document
B1 granted patent
A8/A9 correction of the disclosure document
B3 first publication of the patent specification
B4 second publication of the patent specification
B8/B9 correction of the patent specification
C5 amended patent specification
T1 publication of intl. or EU applications in German translation
T8/T9 their corrections
U1 utility model specifications
U8/u) their corrections
Jurisdiction of priority
The jurisdiction of priority refers to the country or regional patent office where the priority application for a patent was initially filed. When filing a patent application, an applicant may claim priority based on an earlier-filed application in another country or region. The jurisdiction of priority indicates the specific jurisdiction where the initial application was filed and serves as the reference point for determining the priority date of the invention. The priority date is crucial in establishing the novelty and priority of an invention over subsequent filings in other jurisdictions.
Priority date range
The priority date range refers to the period during which an applicant can claim priority for their patent application based on an earlier-filed application. It starts from the date of filing the first application in a specific jurisdiction and extends for a certain period, typically 12 months for most countries. Within this range, the applicant can file subsequent applications in other jurisdictions while claiming the priority date of the initial application. The priority date range is significant for determining the novelty and priority of an invention, as it establishes the effective filing date from which the invention is assessed against prior art.
You can save your research in an existing or a new workspace project and work on it together with your team.
Please find explanations of the single entries below:
Patent number
The patent number is the number a patent application is given once it is filed. It serves as the unique identifier of a patent.
If you are searching for a specific patent and you already know the number, then this is the field you need to fill.
Application number:
The patent application number is a unique identification code assigned to a specific patent application. It serves as a reference number that uniquely identifies and distinguishes the application from others filed within the same patent office. The format of the application number can vary between different patent offices and jurisdictions, but it typically includes alphanumeric characters. The application number allows for easy tracking, referencing, and retrieval of the patent application throughout the application process. It is used by patent offices, inventors, attorneys, and other stakeholders to locate and monitor the status of a particular patent application.
Title, abstract or claim
In order to look a little broader you may fil this field with text that should be part of either the title, the abstract and/or the claim. The PATOffice search will look in all 3 places if the term you inserted is part of it.
The title is the document title, the abstract is the summary of the patent and the claims can be found in the numbered list, mostly in the beginning of the document, that shows everything the patent should cover.
Inventor
A patent inventor is the individual or individuals who have made a significant contribution to the creation of an invention. They are the ones responsible for conceiving and developing the inventive idea or concept. The inventor is typically named in the patent application and plays a crucial role in providing technical details, drawings, and explanations to support the patent claims. In many jurisdictions, the inventor is required to be named and acknowledged in the patent document. However, it's important to note that the inventor may not always be the same as the patent applicant, as ownership and assignment of patent rights can vary based on employment agreements or other contractual arrangements.
Applicant
A patent applicant is an individual, organization, or entity that applies for a patent with the purpose of securing exclusive rights to an invention. The applicant is the party seeking legal protection for their invention and is responsible for providing a detailed description of the invention, its technical aspects, and its potential applications.
Assignee
An assignee in the context of patents refers to the individual, organization, or entity to whom the rights of a patent have been transferred or assigned. The assignee is the party that legally holds the ownership or control over the patent rights. They may be the original inventor who retains the rights or another entity to whom the inventor has transferred the rights through an assignment agreement. The assignee is responsible for managing and enforcing the patent, including the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the patented invention. The assignee's name is typically recorded in the patent document and is an important piece of information for identifying the current owner or holder of the patent rights.
Applicant + Assignee
See above "Applicant" and "Assignee" together.
Application date range
The patent application date range refers to the period during which an applicant can file their patent application. It begins on the date the application is filed with the patent office and ends when the application is either granted or abandoned. This range represents the timeframe within which the applicant's rights are established and determines priority over similar inventions filed after the application date.
Publication date range
The patent publication date range refers to the timeframe in which a patent application is made publicly available. It starts from the date of publication by the patent office and extends until the patent is either granted or abandoned. During this period, the details of the patent application, including the invention's description and claims, become accessible to the public.
All text fields
To search in all text fields of the patent, either title, date ranges or names of persons or companies, you may fill this field with whatever information you are interested in. Filling this out will not restrict the search to sepcific text fields, but will search in all text fields available.
Title
The patent title is a brief and descriptive name given to a patent document, which represents the main subject or focus of the invention. It serves as a concise label or heading that provides a general idea of what the patent document encompasses. The patent title is designed to be informative, specific, and representative of the invention, helping users quickly identify and understand the nature of the invention without having to read the entire document. A well-crafted patent title effectively captures the essence of the invention, allowing researchers, inventors, and other interested parties to easily locate and assess the relevance of the patent document to their needs.
Now it is getting a little bit more specific. Everything you enter here will be limited to the search of titles.
This is important to note, as terms that are not in the title, but might be part of the claims or the abstract will not be shown.
Abstract
The patent abstract is a concise summary of a patent document that provides a brief overview of the invention. It is typically a standalone paragraph or a few paragraphs at the beginning of the patent document. The purpose of the abstract is to provide a clear and concise understanding of the technical aspects, features, and potential applications of the invention without delving into excessive detail. It serves as a summary to help readers quickly grasp the essence of the invention before delving into the more detailed description, claims, and drawings of the patent document. The abstract plays an important role in facilitating patent searches and enabling interested parties to assess the novelty and relevance of the invention.
Filling this out has the same prerequisites as the title above. Everything you enter here, will only be searched in the text field of the abstract.
Claims
Patent claims are the most critical part of a patent document and define the scope and boundaries of the protection sought for an invention. They are legally enforceable statements that describe the specific elements, features, and characteristics of the invention for which the applicant seeks exclusive rights. Patent claims serve as a technical and legal framework to clearly define what is covered by the patent and what falls outside its protection. They outline the unique aspects or novel combinations of the invention that distinguish it from existing technologies. Patent claims are typically written in a specific format, using precise and technical language to provide a clear and detailed description of the invention's essential elements. By interpreting and assessing the patent claims, one can understand the extent of the protection granted by the patent and assess potential infringement by other parties.
Filling this out has the same prerequisites as the title and abstract above. Everything you enter here, will only be searched in the text field of the claims.
Description
The patent description, also known as the specification, is a detailed written explanation of an invention provided within a patent document. It serves as a comprehensive disclosure of the invention's technical aspects, functionality, and practical implementation. The description typically includes background information, a summary of the invention, a detailed explanation of its components or steps, and often includes accompanying figures, diagrams, or examples to aid in understanding. The patent description aims to enable someone skilled in the relevant field to replicate and understand the invention based on the information provided. It provides context, technical details, and supporting information to substantiate the claims made in the patent. The description plays a vital role in providing a complete understanding of the invention and supporting the patent claims during examination and potential legal disputes.
Filling this out has the same prerequisites as the title, abstract and claims above. Everything you enter here, will only be searched in the text field of the description. However please be aware: The description is long and you might find various words and terms in numerous description. We suggest to not only use this text field to look for specific patents.
Family ID
The patent family ID refers to a unique identifier that is assigned to a group of patent documents related to the same invention. It represents a collection of patents and patent applications filed in different countries or regions that share the same priority or common priority application. The patent family ID allows for easy tracking and organization of related patent documents across different jurisdictions. It helps identify and link together various versions of the invention, including granted patents, pending applications, and related documents such as divisional or continuation applications. The patent family ID provides a convenient way to analyze the global coverage and status of an invention and facilitates comprehensive patent searches and monitoring of its legal protection worldwide.
In order to fill this out / to search for a specific family you need to know the exact identifier for this family.
IPC-Class
The International Patent Classification (IPC) is a standardized system used for classifying patents and patent applications based on the technical subject matter they cover. It provides a hierarchical framework that categorizes inventions into different classes, subclasses, groups, and subgroups based on their technological field and characteristics. The IPC system enables efficient searching and retrieval of patent documents by organizing them into specific categories according to their technical content. Each IPC classification code consists of a combination of alphanumeric symbols that represent a particular technical feature or concept associated with the invention. By using the IPC, patent examiners, inventors, researchers, and other stakeholders can navigate through the vast amount of patent information more effectively, identify prior art, and assess the novelty and relevance of inventions within a specific technological domain.
In order to fill this out / to search for a specific family you need to know the exact classification.
CPC-Class
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a patent classification system jointly developed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is based on the International Patent Classification (IPC) system but includes additional detailed subcategories for more precise classification of patent documents. The CPC system provides a comprehensive and granular classification structure that allows for more specific categorization of inventions based on their technical features and characteristics. It enhances the search and retrieval of patent documents by providing more specific and accurate results within a particular technological field. The CPC classification codes consist of a combination of alphanumeric symbols, similar to the IPC system, to represent specific technical features or concepts associated with the invention.
Country code
The country code of a patent refers to the two-letter code that represents the country or jurisdiction in which the patent is granted or registered. Each country or region has its own unique country code assigned to its patents. These codes are typically based on the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standard, which provides internationally recognized codes for countries and territories. Examples of country codes for patents include US (United States), EP (European Patent Office), CN (China), JP (Japan), and DE (Germany). The country code is an essential element for identifying the jurisdiction in which a patent is granted and for distinguishing between patents issued by different countries or regions. It is often included as part of the patent publication or identification number to clearly indicate the country of origin or grant.
Kind code
The kind code in a patent refers to a specific alphanumeric code that indicates the status or type of a patent document within a particular patent system. It provides information about the legal status, publication stage, or type of document associated with the patent. The kind codes can vary between different patent offices and jurisdictions, but they typically follow a standardized format.
Kind codes provide a standardized way to differentiate between various types of patent documents, allowing users to quickly understand the status or nature of a particular patent within a specific patent system.
The most commons we have listed here
A1 first publication of the disclosure document
B1 granted patent
A8/A9 correction of the disclosure document
B3 first publication of the patent specification
B4 second publication of the patent specification
B8/B9 correction of the patent specification
C5 amended patent specification
T1 publication of intl. or EU applications in German translation
T8/T9 their corrections
U1 utility model specifications
U8/u) their corrections
Jurisdiction of priority
The jurisdiction of priority refers to the country or regional patent office where the priority application for a patent was initially filed. When filing a patent application, an applicant may claim priority based on an earlier-filed application in another country or region. The jurisdiction of priority indicates the specific jurisdiction where the initial application was filed and serves as the reference point for determining the priority date of the invention. The priority date is crucial in establishing the novelty and priority of an invention over subsequent filings in other jurisdictions.
Priority date range
The priority date range refers to the period during which an applicant can claim priority for their patent application based on an earlier-filed application. It starts from the date of filing the first application in a specific jurisdiction and extends for a certain period, typically 12 months for most countries. Within this range, the applicant can file subsequent applications in other jurisdictions while claiming the priority date of the initial application. The priority date range is significant for determining the novelty and priority of an invention, as it establishes the effective filing date from which the invention is assessed against prior art.
Updated on: 23/05/2023
Thank you!