Maximize Your Research with Patent Searches

Integrating patent research into your workflow is a strategic way to stay ahead of emerging trends, validate innovative ideas, and unlock new opportunities. This article provides a concise overview of what patents are, why they’re invaluable for research, and how to conduct effective patent searches using Patsnap – a powerful patent database subscribed to by the Library.

Why Patents Are Essential for Research?

A patent is an exclusive right granted to an inventor for a novel invention [1]. In exchange for public disclosure of the invention’s technical details, the patent owner gains the right to make, use, or sell it for a set period, e.g. 20 years. This makes patents both a protective shield for patent owner and a treasure trove of technical insights for researchers. Here’s why they matter:

Stay on the Cutting Edge

The recent patents might highlight emerging technologies. By adding patent analysis to your research process, you broaden your outlook and help pinpoint opportunities for innovation or identifying research gaps.

Strengthen Grant Proposals & Ensure Originality

Referencing the patent research not only demonstrates originality and an in-depth understanding of current trends but also confirms that your research is novel – minimizing risks of duplication. This would boost your grant proposal’s credibility.

Build Collaborations

Patent data can indicate key players or researchers working in your field. Identifying these collaborators opens the door to (interdisciplinary) partnerships and industry connections that can enrich your research.

How to perform an effective patent search in Patsnap?

Patsnap is a powerful tool designed to streamline patent research. Here is how its key features can enhance your work:

1. Create an Account

Start by registering with your HKUST email to set up a personalized account on Patsnap. This account allows you to save searches, manage alerts, and organize your research efficiently.

Create an account on Patsnap

2. Simple Search

Patsnap’s simple search help to locate patents related to your field of interest. For example, entering keywords like “gene editing” generates a list of relevant patents. Filters enable you to narrow results by publication date, jurisdiction, or technology topic.

Patsnap Simple Search

3. Image Search

If you have a concept diagram or technical sketch, e.g. solar panel, Patsnap’s image search can identify similar patents. This is particularly useful when conventional keyword searches fail to capture the full scope of your idea.

Patsnap Image Search

4. Analysis View

Using Patsnap’s Analysis View, you can quickly understand overall patent trends, identify top assignees, and see which countries are leading the innovation — providing a compact snapshot of the global innovation landscape.

Patsnap Analysis View

5. Citation Map

The Citation map allows you to visualize the backward and forward citations of one or multiple patents. This shows you where the technology has originated and its intellectual influence in that technology field.

Patsnap Patent Citation Map

6. Patents Comparison

When you compare two patents with each other, you can view them side-by-side with each other. Using this, you are able to compare abstracts, claims, descriptions, images and PDFs.

Patsnap Patent Comparison

Want to master Patsnap quickly? You can discover Patsnap’s key functionalities quickly by watching the video guides that cover its major features.

What Are Other Patent Databases?

While Patsnap is a powerful tool, several free alternatives exist. Here’s a quick comparison:

Elevate Your Research with Patent Insights Today

Integrating patent searches into your research workflow can reveal novel insights, validate your project’s originality, and open doors to strategic collaborations. With tools like Patsnap, you have access to an easy-to-navigate platform that simplifies patent discovery and analysis – empowering you to enhance your research outcomes. Start exploring today and unlock a world of untapped knowledge and we look forward to your feedback on your patent search journey.

Reference:

[1] WIPO. “Patents.” WIPO. Accessed: Mar. 19, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.wipo.int/web/patents

– By Samson Choi, Library

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