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Patent Search for Canadian Startups: A Guide to Protecting Your Intellectual Property


Protecting Your Intellectual Property
Protecting Your Intellectual Property

You've developed a disruptive new technology. As a startup, protecting your intellectual property with patents is crucial. But where do you begin when searching massive patent data of millions of patents? Follow this startup guide to streamline your patent search and secure your inventions.

Strategic Keyword Analysis for Intellectual Property: Utilizing Google Patent Search

Start by brainstorming the key terms that describe your technology. Use Google Patent Search to run preliminary searches and analyze results titles and abstracts. This provides an overview of existing patents in your space. Refine terms that yield too many or irrelevant hits.


Conduct Preliminary Keyword Searches
Conduct Preliminary Keyword Searches

Broadening Your Scope: Exploring Global Intellectual Property Databases


Search International Databases
Search International Databases

Since patent rights are territorial, also check databases like the USPTO, ESPACENET and WIPO to uncover competing global technologies. This guards against patent infringement in potential export markets. This will also help you unearth similar patents which may pose a threat during patent prosecution.


Mastering Advanced Operators for Intellectual Property Discovery and Analysis

Master Advanced Operators
Master Advanced Operators

Use operators like AND, OR and NOT on the Canadian IP database and other international databases for precise searches. For example, "blockchain AND supply chain NOT shipping" retrieves highly targeted results. Save keyword strings to run variations.


Classification Scanning Mastery: Elevating Intellectual Property Research

Scan Relevant Classifications
Scan Relevant Classifications

Every patent gets assigned classification codes by technology type. Identify codes relevant to your invention and search within those subgroups. This narrows results to most applicable patents.


Informed IP Exploration: Expert Techniques for Analyzing Patent Claims


Analyze the Claims
Analyze the Claims

Study the claims that legally define each patent's scope of protection. Dig into claim language to decipher exactly what is covered. Search claims for your technology keywords to find close precedents.


Intellectual Property Monitoring: Setting Up Alerts for New Patent Filings

Regularly Monitor New Filings
Regularly Monitor New Filings

Set up automatic alerts for new patent applications using your keywords. This helps spot competing filings and prior art that could impact your application.


Ongoing patent searches help startups avoid infringement risks and identify "white space" for patenting opportunities. With a strategic search process, you can claim your stake in the marketplace. Secure your hard work and take your innovative ideas to the next level.

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