Patent Search for Engineers and Lawyers

Patents are legal documents which provide the basis of an invention and the extent to which rights are covered in relation to an invention. One of the indicators for a countrys innovative ability is patenting index and patents are considered to be the highest in the innovative index. Search for patent information is undertaken for various purposes. Understanding technology trends, gaining an insight into lead technologies, forming a part of literature search before embarking on R&D, determining patentability of an invention, freedom to operate searches before product entry into market are some of the predominant reasons for patent search. The need for customised products, rapid production and global marketing necessitates scouting for technologies worldwide. Skilled patent professionals are a requirement for any successful organisation. The past decade has also witnessed the growth of IP filing from academia as well. Patent search is an important component of literature search for identification of new areas of innovation. Objectives of the course: This course will focus on providing the students/participants To develop skills to conduct patent search and analysis To develop practical insights into specific types of patent search To enable understanding of the techno-legal aspects of patent search and analysis