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A BUYER’S GUIDEFor selecting Patent Search and Analysis Software

A Buyer’s Guide | Search and Analytics Software |

INTRODUCTION: THE CHANGING ROLE OF PATENT DATA

The purchase of Patent Search and

Analysis Software can be daunting.

As custodians of patent strategy,

Intellectual Property Professionals

consider many factors, including

data coverage, search methods,

visualizations and reporting,

software usability, and service

quality. Paramount to the decision,

however, is to understand the

purpose of the search and to whom

the information will be presented.

This Buyer’s Guide helps the IP

Professional determine how to

evaluate different vendors by asking

acute questions, and provides a

rating evaluation for the vendors in

consideration, in order to truly make

the best decision when selecting

a Patent Search and Analysis

Software.

CONTENTS

2 Introduction: The Changing Role of Patent Data

Why are Patents So Pivotal?

What is the IP Lifecycle… and Where is Your Analysis Focused?

Which Options are Available to Search and Analyze Patents?

How This Guide Can Help

8 Data Coverage and Quality: The Building Blocks of a Solid Patent Search

Types of Patent Literature: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

Data Coverage

Data Quality

Data Correlation

Non-Patent Literature (NPL)

13 Search Methods: Great Search Results Are Foundational to Great Analysis

Misleading Verbiage: Can You Guess What This Patent is For?

Search Types

Prioritizing Your Results for Maximum Benefit

What You Need Determines How You Search

18 Visualizations and Reporting: Moving Beyond Basic Search Results

Results that are Easy to Customize

Graphics that are Easy to Understand

Visualizations that are Easy to Share

23 Software Usability: Accelerating Your Analysis

Ease of Use for a Variety of Skill Levels

Ease of In-Tool Collaboration

Speed: Delivering the Result Set

27 Service Quality: Cultivating the Partnership

Onboarding

Ongoing Support

Software and Feature Enhancements

31 Pulling it all Together: Rankings and Ratings

A Model for Rankings and Ratings

33 In Summary

34 Addendum: The Expected Payback for IP Analysis Software


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Why are Patents ao Pivotal?The analysis of patents yields many results: the ability to spot trends, to minimize litigation, to guide research, to build portfolios, all in an effort to make better business decisions. If you are struggling with the purchase of an Intellectual Property (IP) Analysis Software program or service, or are re-evaluating what you currently employ, you are not alone. The world may be getting smaller, but the amount of patents available only gets larger…and

the sources of data along with it. How can you be confident that your data is consistently current and complete? Are you positive that your patent analysis incorporates the mise en scène? Most importantly, are you able to perform these duties individually or do you need help? Organizations large and small the world over use professional IP analysis services and/or platforms to support their patent analysis, in a variety of ways.

Patents are useful for competitive analysis and technology trend analysis…Patents have always been analyzed in R&D project management to assess competitive position and to avoid infringement. Patent analysis is also a valuable approach that uses patent data to derive information about a particular industry or technology used in forecasting.Daim, T.U., Rueda, G., Martin, H. & Gerdsri, P.

“Forecasting emerging technologies: Use of bibliometrics and patent analysis.” Technological Forecasting and Social Change (73, 2006) : 981-1012. Web. 12 April. 2016

READ MORE ONLINE


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IPLIFECYCLE

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What is the IP Lifecycle…and Where is gour Analysis Focused?

The lifecycle of a patent begins with an idea. In the 21st Century, the success or failure of an idea depends on how the idea is developed, protected, acquired, and monetized. This industry-standard IP Lifecycle is perhaps the best way to visualize the life of these pivotal patents, and understanding

where you are in the cycle can assist you in deciding if and how patent analysis software can help you to think strategically, and effectively mitigate risk.

Individuals. Your focus is likely

post-creation. Your analytics

must reveal quick assessment and

whether you are moving forward

with a sale, purchase, or licensing.

You rely on data to keep a constant

pipeline of deals in order to turn

around business quickly and pay

for your position, and you cannot

afford to get caught off guard by

new players or incorrectly place

your bets.

Organizations performing due diligence during M&A, or those wishing to identify acquisition candidates in the preliminary or planning stages. Your main

concern is patents in the acquisition

phase, but monetization also

plays an important role. You rely

on analytics to perform IP due

diligence, usually consisting of

establishing ownership, status, and

control of the IP assets, the strength

and economic value of the IP

assets, and the potential liability for

infringement. A due diligence plan

will consider each of these areas in

relation to a prioritized list of target

IP assets; the right software will

complement the plan nicely.

Organizations wishing to keep up with current and emerging competitors. Your

focus is definitely post-creation,


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as you rely on analytics to reveal

trends in a variety of industries,

tip a company off regarding new

developments, as well as which

outside companies are swimming

close to boundaries with their

latest patent applications. Your

main concern is protection and

acquisition.

Larger, multi-national corporations, ranging from automakers to silicon valley giants, protect products and monetize their IP. Throw a dart,

and you will land on an applicable

part of the IP Lifecycle in your

team or organization. You will

have tens of thousands of patents,

will constantly be filing more

(and allowing some to expire),

and recognizing that others need

to be protected or enhanced for

monetization. Most likely you

will already be using a high-level,

professional analytics tool and/or

software.

Law firms and consulting firms detecting litigation threats and building protection for new IP. From smaller patent attorneys to

nationally-ranked firms, you are

less concerned with concept and

the preparation of patents. You

are filing patent applications at a

record pace for your clients and

managing valuable intellectual

property rights via an IP

management system. Your clients

are increasingly looking to their

law firms to counsel them through

risk mitigation and explore ways

to develop, evolve, and expand

existing IP portfolios.

University technology transfer offices (TTOs) or transfers of technology (TOTs) seeking to improve quality in research by incorporating industry partners, entrepreneurs and investors. Your focus is the entire

IP Lifecycle, determining who

and what and where to facilitate

research. For many schools,

patents are a critical source of

both income and prestige, and the

achievement of optimal licensing

opportunities is key for the

success of their programs.

Small product companies or product development groups within a company who discover technology trends. Agile, new technology

development teams watch for

emerging competitors and identify

litigation risk. You also focus

on the IP Lifecycle as a whole,

maneuvering the white space

and uncovering new markets with

thorough searches and detailed

reporting.

Wherever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.Peter Drucker


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Free/Low-Cost Patent Search Tools

These provide basic search on

raw data and will not include data

corrections or the ability to see

a company’s current portfolio.

There will be limited language

consideration, no semantic

searching, narrow geographic and

jurisdictional coverage, and no

way to rank patents by quality or

importance. Free patent search tools

often have holes in the database,

security and privacy risks, and as

much as an 18-month lag in updated

listings due to priority settings.

Services Firms: Law Firms and Consulting Firms

They perform custom IP

analysis projects for a fixed price

or hourly fee, where the output is

a report followed by a discussion

around the specific analysis

requested. This is an important

component when you are

interested in leveraging a

firms’ expertise about patent

information, analysis

techniques, and – sometimes –

their legal advice regarding

your specific

technology domain.

Patent Analytics Platforms

These are built on an integrated

database of patents, and

include data corrections, patent

transactions (purchases/sales) to

see current owner, status updates

(i.e. have maintenance fees been

paid), and often other information

like patent litigation to see who

is active in asserting patents.

IP analysis platforms provide

visualizations and analytics to

discover insights and

communicate them to

stakeholders.

Which Options Ore Available bo Search Ond Analyze Patents?

Regardless of your focus within the IP Lifecycle, the ability to search and analyze patents is key to the success of your organization. There are many use cases in which a sophisticated IP search and analysis tool can bring value for individuals, power users, law firms, and companies. Having the right information

and ability to communicate insights is what separates a simple patent search from savvy IP analysis that drives business forward. As not all patent analysis tools are created equal, knowing which types of

analytics are available and which will best fit your company’s goals is a critical starting point.

Read the “Third Age of Patent Search Tools” blog postto learn more about the differences of the types of software available today.READ MORE


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How This Guide Can Help The insights presented in this guide were cultivated over the last decade of experiences working with thousands of professionals globally, including R&D experts, patent and product portfolio managers,

research analysts, general counsel, M&A professionals and more. This Buyer’s Guide is dedicated to aid the evaluation of the software tools, capabilities, and services in the patent data and analytics market

and how to weigh them against your wish list and that of your organization.

Not every section will be important to your

organization. Therefore, prioritize, use the checklist,

and work with key stakeholders to identify vital

areas and needs. At the end, there is a suggested

ratings framework to help keep track of what is

most relevant to your organization. The following

are the five areas covered in this guide:

Data Coverage and Quality

Search Methods

Visualizations and Reporting

Software Usability

Service Quality

3 = Must Have

2 = Nice to Have

1 = Could be Useful

0 = Not Required or Important

There is a sample evaluation at the end of each section��

Please use the following guideline for rating as they

apply to your specific scenario:

Does all this seem like more than you need? Check outour blog post “9 Things to Consider When Selecting IPAnalysis Software” for a slimmed down list of considerations.READ MORE


Data Coverage and Quality: The Building Blocks of a

Solid Patent SearchYour patent search data is built on previously filed patents, patent metadata, and non-patent literature (NPL) from jurisdictions around the world.All of these documents combine to form your patent document library, the collection of which illuminates the patent story from beginning to end,

highlighting original and current owners, previous and potential litigation, and current status in the IP Lifecycle. The information is readily available on many platforms, but what is the coverage and quality of the data provided? Is the data correlated the way it needs to be? Does the data come ready

for analysis or does it require manual fixing and combining of data sets to reach reasonable conclusions? The service provider you choose should be prepared to answer these questions in order to determine if their solution will fit your specific needs.


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Types of Patent Literature: What Ore bhey and ehy Ore bhey Wmportant?

Actual `ecorded ^atent, varies by territory

A multitude of documents directly related to the patent itself, including the application documents, review board documents, amendments, etc.

Documents including business financials, product sales, news, litigation, user manuals, PhD theses, photos, etc.

More detailed technical and scientific information is revealed due to university-type review. Also showcases actual inventors and assignees

Contains technical information, reveals important players, and can expose any potential germane rights by third parties (i.e. litigation risks)

Reveals the genuine description of the invention on which a right is granted, and which precludes third party use

The Patent Itself

Patent Metadata

Non-PatentLiterature

(NPL)


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Data Coverage

Data Quality

Some tools can search worldwide; others charge more for this feature and may leave important regions out of their basic offerings. With�1VW\O�Oa�O\�S[S`UW\U�ZSORS`�W\�^ObS\b�TWZW\Ua� it would be helpful to choose a provider that covers all relevant jurisdictions that impact your work.

What countries are covered? Can countries be searched simultaneously?

Is the data translated into English or only available in the native filing language? If so,

how is the translation performed?

Does your solution provider provide provide full-text versus bibliographic information?

What countries are covered? Can countries be searched simultaneously?

Is the data translated into English or only available in the native filing language? If so, how is the translation performed?

Does your solution provider provide provide full-text versus bibliographic information?

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With the volume of data changing worldwide on a weekly basis, no system can be 100% perfect every single moment. There are a number of data points that have to be accounted for, filled in, and reported, determining how confident one can be in the data process behind the scenes. For example, many public patents have different spellings for the same company owner names and some patent data elements are simply entered incorrectly (see the IBM example). Every day, mergers and acquisitions take place and the ownership or company hierarchy information is not updated by some patent search

companies at all or at a slow cadence.

Will the software identify varied spellings of company names and associate them with the correct ultimate owner?

Does the software have the capability of not only identifying but correcting erroneous data elements?

Are missing data elements “filled in” when possible, like classification codes?

How often is all patent data updated: weekly, monthly, quarterly?

When errors are found, what is the process for reporting a data element that requires correction within the platform?

Are updates to the patents automatically performed when a patent is sold or transferred, a patent lapses, or a patent is found invalid in court?

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Data Correlation

Non-Patent Literature (NPL)

Correlation of data means that data sources, including trademark, litigation, financial, patent, and standards, are all pulled together to create a full picture around a patent. In doing so, the user lessens their risk of missing any important information, thereby maximizing business opportunity.

For example, searching “which companies are defendants in this technology space?” requires linking patents to litigation across companies. Data correlation gives organizations back time…time that can be spent on analysis rather than manually fixing data errors (i.e. the owner name to get a company’s total portfolio) and combining and correlating data sets to get to the sought-after answers.

Are the databases separate or combined? (i.e. are there different areas to get litigation data about a patent vs. basic patent information?)

What custom or private data can be put into the tool, tied to patents specifically or to the searches being performed?

How can data correlation be used to improve the context and insights from IP analyses?

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NPL is a term that encompasses anything that is not a patent, yet relates to the target subject matter, and it can be a valuable ally in supporting your patent analysis. There are no comprehensive NPL libraries, as not all of the world’s documents are available online. Some services, however, do offer millions of documents and provide tools to narrow searches to

achieve the most helpful findings.

How much NPL data is available?

What type of data is included? Is there an extra cost for access to NPL data?

What search methods are available for the NPL data?

From where is the NPL data sourced (i.e., technical standards, journals, etc.)?

Are there features that enable users to incorporate NPL data into patent search results?

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Non-patent literature |nohn-pat-nt lit-er-uh-cher| 1. any literature or document that is not a patent.

2. these can include journal articles, guides, manuals, even YouTube.

Non-patent literature |nohn-pat-nt lit-er-uh-cher|

1. any literature or document that is not a patent.

2. these can include journal articles, guides, manuals, even YouTube.


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PRO TIP #1

When rating, use this scale:3 = Must have2 = Nice to have1 = Could be useful0 = Not important

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DATARank 0-3 Key Components for Your Business

Data Coverage 1

Data Quality 1

Data Correlation 1

Non-Patent Literature 1

Average of Total Ranking 1

Additional Notes and/or Questions for Vendors

3 = Must Have2 = Nice To Have

1 = Could Be Useful

0 = Not At All Necessary

How Important is Improved Data to Your Business?


Multiple search methods allow the relevant patents to be identified faster and more assuredly, but some patents and applications can use unusual and even unforeseen terminologies, for several reasons:

TERMINOLOGIES CHANGE OVER TIME: Patents are long-lived assets and documents, and the commonly accepted terminology can evolve, especially early in the

technology’s lifecycle when the seminal patent applications are filed.

DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES USE DIFFERENT TERMS: In some cases, the most interesting patents, or the ones to watch out for, can come from adjacent industries that use different terms for the same invention.

MANY PATENT FILINGS ARE TRANSLATED: International

inventors will often translate their applications from other languages to English to file in the U.S., giving rise to unexpected terms.

SOME PATENTS HAVE PURPOSEFULLY MISLEADING VERBIAGE: A few patent filers will even use terms that conceal the technology that is being described, hoping that the patents will not be discovered by the usual keyword searches.

Search Methods: Great Search Results Ore Foundational

bo Great AnalysisHaving found the proper building blocks�]T�RObO, it is now time to start building your

document library, or patent search results project. Every patent analysis starts with a search to find the relevant patents, and the key to a thorough global patent search is to use multiple

methods.


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Misleading Verbiage: Can gou Uuess ehat bhis ^atent is Tor?

Would you know to enter “computer readable storage medium” keywords when searching for patents on credit cards? This is the type of misleading verbiage out there.

As a result, using only keywords to search patents is highly risky – you may miss unusual keywords or phrases that generate relevant patents. Adding multiple search methods will serve to increase your document library, adding depth to your patent picture.


Search TypesThe first component to a great search is to understand the different types of searches available. IP

analytics providers will use one or multiple types; be sure to understand which ones they use and any pricing structure around the incorporation of additional search capabilities:

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Keyword Search The standard for most computer searches, involves entering the likely relevant word associated with desired results.

Boolean Search Combines keywords with AND, NOT or OR with words that are within proximity of one another, looking for alternative words, using wildcards – these combinations help narrow down a search and increase accuracy.

Metadata Search Covers classification codes, citations, dates, company owners and inventors.

Semantic Search

Takes into account keyword variations, localizations and concepts – increasing results accuracy even more by diving contextually deeper. In the IP world, this improves the chance of finding held patents some would not find with Keyword or Boolean searches. Given this fact, semantic search is an imperative part of any IP software package a company would onboard.

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Apples and Oranges: Just because a vendor says they have semantic search capabilities

does not mean that you can check off the requirement as satisfied. Not all semantic

search technologies are created equal. Dig deep when inquiring further in this area to

identify if there are any word limitations to the search capabilities of the software. Is it

actually just the ability to enter in multiple keywords, or can you just copy and paste

entire blocks of text in order to produce a result?

More on Semantic Search: Semantic search is designed to find subject matches rather

than textual matches. In that sense, semantic search is much more similar to the way we

think about a subject, relying on concepts rather than specific words or phrases. In fact,

you search just like one would explain a subject to someone; with a brief description

-- perhaps a couple of paragraphs -- of the subject of interest (i.e. the term “bank” as a

keyword would bring back varied results, but a paragraph of text would know that you

are looking for context around a transverse slope given to a road, railroad, or sports

track to enable vehicles or runners to maintain speed around a curve).


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What assistance in prioritizing patents does the tool provide?

If you do not like their prioritization approach or need a new one for a specific analysis, can you “program” your own prioritization approach?

Prioritizing gour Results for Maximum BenefitAnother component to a great search is your ability to prioritize your relevant data sets. Prioritizing allows the user to draw clear, germane conclusions, and lessons your chances of getting stuck in the mud determining applicability of numerous patent sets, which can number well into the hundreds or thousands. Once you understand the way results are prioritized by different software firms, you can determine if this will benefit your business:

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What gou Need Determines How gou SearchUnderstanding the difference between search methods, the types of results they produce and how to prioritize those results is a large part of conducting a great search. Being able to toggle between different types of searches, however, is paramount, as there are many ways to get information.

Companies need to use the right search tool for the right job, and not all search criteria demand the same search type. Missing that one seminal patent will make all the difference between a sound business decision and a detrimental one. Assess the full set of capabilities for searching for any software being considered:

How easy is it to save searches and search results, so searchers can go back to them at a later time?

Will standard keyword searches return relevant and desired results?

Does the tool provide semantic search in order to search by concept rather than keywords? Does the semantic search use multiple keywords or is it truly concept-driven?

Can the company search by metadata such as classification codes, citations, dates, ultimate owners and inventors? How easy is it to search for all the patents currently owned by top competitors?”

Does the platform allow for faceted navigation to explore information organized by various filters?

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3“More Like This”

Keep an eye out for unique features

within software that provide a boost

to your search capabilities. The “More

Like This” button within Innography

allows you to search for additional

patents that look like the gem you

have just found and can be a major

timesaver.


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SEARCH

Rank 0-3 Key Components for Your Business

Search Types 2

Prioritizing Results 2

Searching Your Way 2




1 = Could Be Useful


How Important ARE Search Methods to Your Business?

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Visualizations and Reporting: Moving Beyond Basic

Search ResultsWith all the legwork invested in a thorough, accurate search, now it is time to present findings. But it is not enough to derive the best insights and present your findings to

the stakeholder, end of story. Rather, effective communication requires a different method of delivery to multiple interested persons, though the underlying dataset remains the same. The

results must be conveyed in a way that is easily digested and quickly incorporated into business decisions, no matter the experience level of the person reviewing the analysis.


Results that are Easy to CustomizeCanned visuals can be distracting, and they simply do not fit the bill for tailoring your presentation

to 100% of your targeted audience. At some point, you will need to be able to customize the visual to convey the right insight clearly and without clutter.

Examples of customizations include removing unnecessary groups of patents or categories in the visual, changing color schemes, and renaming groups to reflect the vernacular of your audience. Choose a provider that has answers to these questions in order to get your message across:

What customization capabilities are in the software?

Is the functionality easy to learn?

If the tool does not support a specific customization, does it allow easy exporting of the visual and the data into Excel or some other tool for further modification?

What integration is available to prevent the cycle of searching, exporting, and creating a visual?

“The main goal of data visualization is to communicate information clearly and effectively through graphical

means. To convey ideas effectively, both aesthetic form and functionality need to go hand in hand, providing insights into a rather sparse and complex data set by communicating its key-aspects in a more intuitive way.”

Friedman (2008)

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The main goal of data visualization is to communicate information clearly and effectively through graphical means. To convey ideas effectively, both aesthetic form and functionality need to go hand in hand, providing insights into a rather sparse and complex data set by communicating its key-aspects in a more intuitive way.Friedman (2008)


With all the legwork invested in a thorough, accurate search, now it is time to present findings. Working

together, the visualizations of results will improve the absorption of data and help the reader understand the information quickly.

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Graphics that are Easy to Understand

The user, i.e. the person sending the message or creating the presentation, will want to keep in mind the following ideas:

Graphics convey insights hidden in lengthy analysis results. If you are not currently using them to convey your results, could they benefit your message?

Templates are a great way to streamline the creation of your graphics and view differing representations of your message.

Working together, the visualizations of results will improve the absorption of data and help the reader understand the information quickly.

It is hard to know how your specific needs will be met, so be sure to ask for template samples, as well as content and visualization samples.

Are the visualizations easy to read and do they clearly communicate the key insights?

How many graphic choices does the user have?

Further, the user also must consider how their message or presentation will be received. The way your reports and results are viewed is as important as the information itself! Consider their objectives, title, preferred viewing method (computer or hard-copy), and span of attention.

Which visualization will best facilitate your message?

Is your team going to get more out of a hard-to-read, convoluted, highly-technical report, or one that is structured and worded simply with vivid color graphs and charts?

Would they like the ability to change the charts colors to reflect a brand or show greater contrast?

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With all the legwork invested in a thorough, accurate search, now it is time to present findings. Working together, the visualizations of results will improve the absorption of data and help the reader understand the information quickly.


Visualizations that are Easy to Share

An organization may regularly require that data or results be shared with others who are not necessarily IP experts, which is when clearly communicating the analysis in non-IP terms is important.

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As the person responsible for communicating the patent analysis results, you may also need to share large amounts of data with multiple team members on various levels of end user and/or subject matter expertise.

How many steps does it take to share analysis with other users within your team or company?

Who can results be shared with and by what means? Does it count towards total user seats in the software license?

Does the data automatically update and notify everyone who has received the report previously?

What interactive functionality is available to drill down and drill in on the graphics (increasing transparency on data and meaning)?

Brand-able/White label results help give a professional look to any IP report or dashboard. Does the software support that capability?

Can you export the visualizations? In what formats are the exports available (.csv/.jpg/.pdf)?

Keep in Mind: When sending information, data sets, or results outsidethe organization, your professional reputation can be increased with the use

of uniformly designed, branded reports, and dashboards. The ease with which others can view information also enhances the professional appearance and shows how much thought they have put into how others will view results. Ask what options are available regarding branding efforts to increase your reputation.

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Keep in Mind: When sending information, data sets, or results outside the organization, your professional reputation can be increased with the use of uniformly designed, branded reports, and dashboards. The ease with which others can view information also enhances the professional appearance and shows how much thought they have put into how others will view results. Ask what options are available regarding branding efforts to increase your reputation.


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VISUALIZATIONS


Results that are Easy to Customize 3

Graphics that are Easy to Understand 3

Visualizations that are Easy to Share 3




1 = Could Be Useful


How Important are Visualizations and Reporting to Your Business?

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Software Usability: Accelerating gour Analysis

An often overlooked component during a patent search software assessment is the�W\bcWbWdS\Saa�]T�bVS�S\bW`S�^ZObT]`[��which will impact training time for new employees and adoption of the program or service selected. Further, time is money and

for intellectual property professionals minutes can translate to millions of dollars in lost – or won – opportunities. Easy-to-use software with accurate and quick delivery of patent search results means more iteration and refinement,

additional learning, and better answers, faster. You may want to consider separating out the needs of expected power-users vs. occasional users. Also, investigate the experience of anyone receiving the output of analysis, as they are a user too.


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Ease of Use for a Variety of Skill Levels

Unnecessary clicks, poorly laid out interfaces, and hidden features can frustrate users and affect the search experience tremendously. Ideally, the end-user would experience

little to no discord with the software, regardless of their level of sophistication.

How easy is it to do a basic search and analysis? Can the tool be used by any computer-savvy and patent-savvy person, or does it require a highly trained tool expert?

How easy is it to learn to do something new in the interface? Say there is a new type of analysis, is there online help to assist with learning how to use it? What about support from the vendor?

Can infrequent users “walk up” to the user interface and do their task without getting frustrated or stuck? Are there help and educating videos and/or guides available? Are there different products available for the range of user requirements?

Can power users get to their in-depth features easily? Can they save their searches and work files to pick up where they left off? What ease-of-use features exist for power user efficiency?

Will anyone reading reports delivered by the software be able to interpret the reports easily, without significant time explaining the report itself (vs. discussing the results)?

How closely does the software mirror the way end-users are used to working with technology?

Will it be a leap for them to learn this new tool?

Are the majority of users IP-specialists or laypersons with limited IP knowledge?

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Ease of In-Tool Collaboration

Speed: Delivering the Result Set

Some companies function with remote team members or members in other departments.�EVS\�

O�^`]XSQb�`S_cW`Sa�bVS�aVO`W\U�]T�aSO`QV�`SacZba or someone needs to hand them off for analysis, it is nice to know what options are available. Be sure to include the following in your evaluation:

Are the databases separate or combined? (i.e. are there different areas to get litigation data about a patent vs. basic patent information?)

What custom or private data can be put into the tool, tied to patents specifically or to the searches being performed?

How can data correlation be used to improve the context and insights from IP analyses?

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Time is money, this is a well-established adage – but in the intellectual property world, minutes can literally mean millions of dollars. Therefore, the speed in which results are generated and exported is a definite factor to consider.

Faster speeds allow users to iterate and refine the analysis more, learn more, and get to a better answer faster. You may consider ranking the speed for each platform being evaluated, e.g. producing results within seconds gets top score, between 10-30 seconds gets medium score; anything over a minute would receive a zero or even a negative score. There

is only one question to pose here:

How fast are search results presented and exported?

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Modern IPMS systems are now available to drive the value of intellectual property and meet the needs of today’s IP

organization. Hear Innography CEO John Martin describe how to meet the needs of the next decade of IP management.

Listen Here >>

Modern IPMS systems are now available to drive the value of intellectual property and meet the needs of today’s IP organization.


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SOFTWARE USABILITY


Ease of Use for a Variety of Skill Levels 1

Ease of In-Tool Collaboration 1

Speed of Delivering the Result Set 1


Additional Notes and/orQuestions for Vendors


1 = Could Be Useful


How Important is Software Usability to Your Business?

PRO TIP #1


PRO TIP #2





PcaW\Saa-


Service Quality: Cultivating bhe Partnership

Learning a new tool presents change and could produce challenges. The services available during ramp-up and after the sale of new software can make or break a team’s adoption of that tool and has a direct impact on productivity.

Seek a software company with excellent customer

service and a team that will be there when they are needed. Some vendors just sell tools, but others build a partnership that is focused on helping clients be successful

in their broader IP goals. Your organization should not be surprised by the details. Rather, you should be involved every step of the way and know exactly what you are getting from your IP analytics software partner.


“Today’s client-focused organizations are achieving operational excellence by establishing listening posts and

incorporating impartial client feedback into the decision-making process.”

Evan Klein, Founder and President of Satrix Solutions

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OnboardingA lot can be learned about a company by how they treat customers after the sale. Be ready to ask questions about the onboarding process before the sale is made.

From contract signature to implementation, the company who can get a solution up and running as committed will reflect their overall business ethic. Including a dedicated account or service manager provides considerable value-add by saving time and money to your company down the road and further instills confidence that your chosen vendor will remain your advocate through the life of your contract.

How soon can users access the software after the contract is signed?

Who will need to be trained? Are different trainings available for power-users vs administrators vs business users?

How much initial/ongoing training time is included within the license?

What is the implementation timeline?

1

2

3

4

Today’s client-focused organizations are achieving operational excellence by establishing listening posts and incorporating impartial client feedback into the decision-making process.Evan Klein, Founder and President of Satrix Solutions


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Ongoing SupportOnce the system is up and running, there will be questions or issues that pop up.

A good provider will check in periodically even if there is not an issue. A great one will anticipate needs and address them with immediacy.

Therefore, a key consideration in this area is the level of support:

Generally, can the user expect the support team to have savvy familiarity with software tools?

Specifically, can high-level issues regarding Intellectual Property be clearly conveyed in order to receive effective support?

A key resource in determining the quality of support of a potential software partner is what others are saying about that provider in the marketplace. Speak to current clients, ask to attend a user conference to mingle with all current users of the software under consideration, review industry analyst reports (if available), peruse general sentiment of the provider on social media, and review any case studies that have been completed.

Other things to consider related to service quality include:

Does the vendor sponsor an online community for answering questions, suggesting product features, and networking with other users of the tool?

Does the vendor have user events to learn about new features, network with other clients, and hear about the future roadmap?

Sometimes there is no substitute for being shown how to do something. Does the vendor visit customers and provide one-on-one or group training? Does the vendor host training sessions near your location?

Does the company have data from client satisfaction surveys they can share?

Are there support and service staff available in your region?

1

2

3

4

1

2

5


30

Software and Feature EnhancementsAnother inevitable technical occurrence will be updates to software and related

services. Again, this is where some solution providers differ greatly. Expect any updates to be fast and painless and not inhibit team productivity, and also expect that any

updates reflect the changing needs of you as the customer.

How often are enhancements and new features added? What is the extent of a typical update?

What is the process for making product enhancement suggestions? What is the vendor’s speed and frequency of updates to�W\Q]`^]`ObS�acUUSabW]\a- Will direct access to the product team be provided?

When are updates performed? E.g. overnight or during work hours?

What advance notice, training and on-call support does the vendor typically provide for software updates?

Is there an opportunity, as a customer, for your involvement in the product roadmap development process?

3

4

1

2

5

SERVICE QUALITY


Onboarding 2

Ongoing Support 2

Software and Feature Enhancements 2


Additional Notes and/orQuestions for Vendors


1 = Could Be Useful


How Important is Service Quality to Your Business?

PRO TIP #1

When rating, use this scale:

3 = Must have2 = Nice to have1 = Could be useful0 = Not important

PRO TIP #2

1]\abO\bZg�OaaSaa�g]c`�\SSRa(�6]e�R]Sa�bVWa�aSQbW]\�O^^Zg�b]�g]c`�PcaW\Saa-


Pulling Wt Oll�Together:

Rankings and RatingsUsing this document as a starting point, rank in priority order each area, then rate each software being evaluated. Do not forget to investigate any finalists being considered – how are they viewed in the industry?

Ask to speak to references. For the most important factors in your decision, find ways to get proof-points from the vendor. If time permits, conduct a Proof of Concept to try the product of the top two

finalists. Know that it is not all in the numbers – the bottom-line decision is which vendor will make the most significant contribution to the evaluation for your intellectual property needs.


32

Run through the capability areas and rank each on importance

3 = Must Have2 = Nice to Have1 = Could be useful0 = Not at all required or important

Assign a score for each vendor

5 = Exceeds expectations3 = Meets expectations1 = Missing key components of the area

Multiply the importance rating by the vendor rating and add up all categories

In the example below, Vendor #1 outscores the other vendors with a total score of 75.

3

1 2

OVERALL

Capability Area Importance Rating* Vendor #1 Vendor #2 Vendor #3

Data Coverage and Quality 1

Search Methods 2

Visualizations and Reporting 3

Software and Usability 1

Service Quality 2

0 0 0

*Imported Value

5 = Vendor Exceeds Expectations 3 = Vendor Meets Expectations

1 = Vendor is Missing Key Components of this Area

Putting it All Together: Assign a Score for Each Vendor

PRO TIP #1

When rating, use this scale:

3 = Must have2 = Nice to have1 = Could be useful0 = Not important

PRO TIP #2

1]\abO\bZg�OaaSaa�g]c`�\SSRa(�6]e�R]Sa�bVWa�aSQbW]\�O^^Zg�b]�g]c`�PcaW\Saa-

A Model for Rankings and RatingsThis is one recommended approach for rating vendors:


In Summary

Regardless of your industry or focus on the IP Lifecycle, you will better enable yourself to spot trends, minimize litigation, guide research, build portfolios, and make sound, fruitful business decisions with the power of patent analysis in your pocket. From free/low-cost basic search tools to savvy IP analysis platforms, your choice in partner services is worthy of your time and research.

This Buyer’s Guide taps into industry standards and, while it may not apply to your business on every level, it will guide you through the life of your business as you grow and prosper. Now that you have a better grasp of how you expect to use IP analytics, you know what questions to ask when shopping around. Getting as specific as possible when asking questions will ensure

you make the best choice for your organization and a good IP analytics partner will know how to answer questions regarding ROI expectations.

If you have any questions or comments about this guide, p lease contact us at W^W\T].Q^OUZ]POZ�Q][

Patent analysis is pivotal to 21st century business strategy.


YOU CAN EXPECT TO SAVE SIGNIFICANT TIME AND MONEY: With budget constraints and shrinking headcounts, the need for data and analysis is increasing. Software can help cut costs by streamlining analysis previous to the patent prosecution process, identifying which patents to let expire, and avoiding duplicate filings. Doing more, a lot more, with the same amount of time and people, can save hours per use.

NEW REVENUE AVENUES WILL OPEN UP: In a fast-moving market, opportunities can be missed. Almost all businesses have some form of intellectual property but many do not�bOYS�TcZZ�ORdO\bOUS�]T�bVSW`�7>�OaaSba. Whether the goal is to license, franchise, or sell IP, an analytics partner is there to help.

YOU WILL�03BB3@�C<23@AB/<2�/<2�@32C13�

@7A9( BVose wishing to protect against patent infringement litigation from competitors, litigation from non-practicing entities (NPEs), acquisition risks (patent ownership issues and new litigation risks), and the risk of emerging competitors from anywhere in the world.

Addendum: The Expected Payback Tor IP Analysis Software

Not sure if using a patent search and analytics software platform is right for you? Clients have told us time and again that there are benefits to

selecting the best tool for the team:

Intellectual property lawyering | White Paper |

Intellectual property ROI | White Paper | Page 35Intellectual property ROI | White Paper | Page 35

About CPA Global

CPA Global is the world’s leading IP management and

technology company, trusted by many of the world’s respected

corporations and law firms. Our integrated offering is

underpinned by an outstanding global team of 2,000 people.

Now we offer customers The IP Platform: delivering integrated

Innovation and IP Portfolio software, services and insights

across the entire Idea Lifecycle, supporting customers every

step of the way to realise the value of their ideas.

FOR FURTHER

INFORMATION PLEASE

CONTACT US AT

[email protected]

OR VISIT

cpaglobal.com

© 2018 CPA Global. All rights reserved.

Top companies globally choose Innography

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