Gaining information from the research activities of entrepreneurs
It is estimated that over 80% of humanity's technical knowledge is stored only in patent literature. Even if this refers more to quantity than quality, the information content of patent specifications is underestimated, especially by researchers at higher education institutions.
Important information can be gleaned from patent specifications: to avoid reinventing the wheel, and to gain valuable insights for one's own work from the publications. Under certain conditions, you can make use of this information. Research into patent-protected processes is legally permitted as long as there is no commercial intent behind it: i.e., for private use or public research. However, this permission to conduct research into the patented subject matter (but not to conduct research using the patented subject matter!) must be clarified on a case-by-case basis and is interpreted differently in some national jurisdictions. When conducting patent searches, you should bear in mind that the proprietary rights listed in the databases may not be in force or still legally valid. Over 90% of all proprietary rights ever published have expired, been rejected, or not been renewed, and are therefore considered to be part of the state of the art and may be used by anyone, including for commercial purposes.
Avoid redundant research
An estimated 15-20% of research and development funds in Europe (around €60 billion) spent. In addition, over 90% of the 50% of patent applications rejected in Germany are rejected because the patent already exists or the invention was not new.
Developments and trends in innovative, dynamic fields
Technology trends can be tracked not only by the content of patent specifications, but also from the progression of application numbers in specific classes. Changes in patent applications may thus be an indicator of market developments. In addition to providing information about future technologies, this allows technology leaders, potential cooperation partners, and competitors to be identified. Changes in the direction of technologies may be traced from current developments in a field of innovation based on patent applications in the relevant classes.
