Information sources in patents

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This new edition serves as a vital reference for information specialists, librarians, and anyone seeking patent information. The author situates patent information within the current national and international legal frameworks, including a chapter on future developments and their potential impact. Understanding the three major patent systems is crucial for effective use of patent information sources. The author provides in-depth descriptions of the European, United States, and Japanese Patent Systems, detailing how patents are documented and highlighting the similarities and differences among them. Following this overview, the author outlines various information sources across different media—paper, disk, online, and the internet. Topics covered include alerting searches, patentability, portfolio and legal status searches, and commercial intelligence, with a focus on patent analysis tools. Recognizing that patent information needs differ across fields, the author offers specialized techniques for the engineering, chemical, and life sciences sectors. Additionally, the book features a glossary of patenting terms, a contact list for major databases, and an index of abbreviations. This comprehensive resource is essential for academic libraries and anyone requiring in-depth information about patents.