
- Patent
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- IP Intelligence SoftwareStreamline the journey from innovation to IP with our IP intelligence software, patent search, data analytics, and related services and tools.→ Read moreOur solutionsPowerful patent searching and analysisArtificial intelligence for patent classificationGrant statistics and detailed legal status analysisSmall molecules searching and analysisDNA and amino acid searching and analysisExplore new markets and opportunitiesEasy patent searching and collaborationAnalysis from any scientific sourcesUnlock AI-powered use cases across a range of Questel software.SEP DatabaseNEWStandard Essential Patent Data & AnalyticsLatest resources
- → How to Do a Prior Art Search for Standard Essential PatentsTo search prior art for SEPs effectively, patent searchers need to think beyond trad...
- → Demystifying Patent Invalidity Searching: A Comprehensive Guide with Orbit IntelligencePatent invalidation searches probe into the foundations of a granted patent's validi...
- → Patent Search Techniques: Five High-Level Steps in Search Strategy BuildingAn effective search strategy requires searchers to master a specific set of patent s...
- → How to Do a Prior Art Search for Standard Essential Patents
- IP Management SoftwareKeep your assets up to date and aligned with your corporate strategy with our Equinox suite of IP management software, data analytics, and eBilling tools→ Read moreOur solutionsPowerful all-in-one IPMS for corporatesIPMS tailored for large corporates, built on SalesforcePowerful all-in-one IPMS for law firmsIPMS tailored for large Law FirmsCollaborative invention-to-filing workflowLatest resources
- → Can Software Simplify IP Management for Law Firms?Innovation is at the heart of the IP industry. But, as a busy law firm, how much tim...
- → Intellectual Property Management: How to Maximize Performance in the Digital AgeFrom deadline reminders to project collaboration, data verification, and the automat...
- → Finally, an IPMS that ushers IP departments into modernity!Discover the power of customization and six tips for modernizing IP management share...
- → Can Software Simplify IP Management for Law Firms?
- Preparation & Prosecution CopilotsOptimize your entire patent process with our range of advanced Preparation & Prosecution Copilots, from patent application drafting to prosecution workflow automation, claims mapping, and office action responses.→ Read moreOur solutionsAll-in-one patent prosecution workflow, data, and collaboration workspace.AI-DraftingNEWIndustry-leading patent drafting software powered by generative AI.Patent Mapping and Claim Analysis with AIPatent Office Action Response Management with AILeverage the power of data to guide your patent prosecution with Prosecution PackLatest resources
- → How AI is Transforming IP Management for GoodDiscover the holistic and responsible approach to AI that is central to Questel's st...
- → AI in IP – Generative AI, Beyond a Technological ChangeUnlock the potential of AI with insights from industry experts Benoit Chevalier, Mar...
- → Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Your Prosecution WorkUnlock exclusive insights and discover how Qthena, the AI-powered prosecution assist...
- → How AI is Transforming IP Management for Good
- Patent ServicesBenefit from end-to-end support for vital but time-consuming administrative tasks with our complete range of patent support services, including searches, translations, international filings, validations, unitary patent management, recordals, renewals, and more→ Read moreOur solutionsPatentability, Freedom-To-Operate, InvalidityPCT & national phase, Paris Convention, Unitary PatentUnitary Patent and Unified Patent Court servicesSimplified European validation servicesCentralized patent translation servicesFee and renewals managementAssignment and recordal of all IP RightsLatest resources
- → [WHITE PAPER] IP RIGHTS in mergers and acquisitionsIP RIGHTS in mergers and acquisitions Download the white paper ...
- → State of the art analysis a click away!In our rapidly changing world, only R&D teams able to mobilize and manage large volu...
- → Benchmarking – Defend your market and tackle your competitorsAssess and evaluate your position in your markets by comparing with your competitors...
- → [WHITE PAPER] IP RIGHTS in mergers and acquisitions
- Patent Strategy & Administration→ Read more
Control costs, streamline invoices, and safeguard your patent rights efficiently with our patent strategy & administration services and tools
Our solutionsEnd-to-end IP admin, data verification and docketingInvoice review, bundling and paymentFee audits, negotiation, compliance, benchmarks and forecastingLandscaping, benchmarking, valuation and licensingDefensive PublicationBUY ONLINEPublish an invention into the public domainLatest resources- → [WHITE PAPER] Three stages to any IP StrategyThree stages to any IP Strategy Download the white paper Questel Intelle...
- → Checklist for protecting and enforcing your intellectual property rightsAs business becomes more complex and global, the number and variety of intellectual ...
- → 8 Best practices for an efficient annual legal department budgetYear after year, every in-house legal department knows that preparing the usual annu...
- → [WHITE PAPER] Three stages to any IP Strategy
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- Clearance & Watch PlatformScreen and monitor your brand and trademark rights effectively with our trademark clearance search and trademark monitoring platform→ Read moreOur solutionsScreen trademarks with AI-driven search technologyMarkify Comprehensive SearchBUY ONLINEAI-driven trademark availability softwareBest-in-class trademark results paired with key pharmaceutical sourcesWatch for new, identical and confusingly similar trademarksMonitor marketplaces, social media, and web contentLatest resources
- → The 3 elements to consider when doing a trademark searchOf course, you do! But you might not be aware of the fact that there are thousands o...
- → Cut Costs When Conducting Your Crucial Trademark SearchA trademark search is a necessary and essential part of owning and registering a new...
- → Picture this: Fast and Affordable Trademark Device SearchesThanks to global connectivity, brands can reach almost anyone, and images can be rec...
- → The 3 elements to consider when doing a trademark search
- IP Management SoftwareManage and maintain your trademark, design and domain name rights effectively with our state-of-the-art trademark management software→ Read moreOur solutionsPowerful all-in-one IPMS for corporatesIPMS tailored for large corporates, built on SalesforcePowerful all-in-one IPMS for law firmsIPMS tailored for large law firmsCollaborative worklfow for trademark and design proposalsLatest resources
- → Record, timestamp and manage your intangible assets using the blockchainHaving the ability to demonstrate that your data existed on a particular date and ti...
- → Gain efficiency, manage your entire IP lifecycle activities on a single integrated platform!By combining IP Management Software with data and services, Questel allows you to se...
- → How can Blockchain & Workflow Monitoring Technologies help Trademark teamsDiscover how to meet the needs of today’s globally connected brands!Trademark depart...
- → Record, timestamp and manage your intangible assets using the blockchain
- AI Assistants for Trademark ProductivityReview trademark search and watch results, create first drafts of goods and services descriptions, classify evidence of use, and manage office action responses effectively with our AI assistants for trademark productivity.→ Read moreOur solutionsAll-in-one digital trademark workflow automationChat with trademark search or watch results to review findings and assess riskSave time and build consistency and compliance with our AI solutionAnalyze content and draft answers with AIManage trademark evidence of use with AILatest resources
- → Future Proof Your IP Management: Smarter Data, Seamless Services & AI-Powered EfficiencyManaging intellectual property shouldn't be a maze of disconnected tools, incomplete...
- → Why, When, and How to Establish Proof of Trademark Use—and Is It Mandatory?Depending on the jurisdiction, brand owners may need to provide trademark proof of u...
- → Artificial Intelligence and IP: What’s on the Horizon for AI and Trademarks? Discover what’s on the horizon for artificial intelligence and IP, including powerfu...
- → Future Proof Your IP Management: Smarter Data, Seamless Services & AI-Powered Efficiency
- Trademark, Design & Domain Services→ Read more
Access expert support throughout the complete brand lifecycle with our integrated domain name, design, and trademark solutions
Our solutionsAnalyst-driven searches with on-demand and customizable reportingIP asset monitoring with intelligent pre-selectionCase management and take-down servicesInternational registration process supportTrademark and design renewal servicesEffective management of corporate domain namesAssignment and recordal of all IP rightsEnd-to-end IP admin, data verification, docketingLatest resources- → How to Register a Trademark: What to Do and What Not to Do When Getting StartedWhen you have a new brand, product, or even an existing business, it’s of the utmost...
- → Accenture and Brandstock: Working CollaborativelyKristen Poggensee of Accenture discusses the benefits of working with IP management ...
- → How Brandstock Helped BACARDI Successfully Register Its EU TrademarkHow Brandstock Helped BACARDI Successfully Register Its EU Trademark As leading prof...
- → How to Register a Trademark: What to Do and What Not to Do When Getting Started
- Innovation
- Our Innovation solutions
- Innovation Management SoftwareMake your innovation management processes faster, efficient and scalable with our end-to-end suite of innosabi innovation management software.→ Read moreOur solutionsBusiness-oriented dashboards for innovatorsStartup deal flow and program managementCollaborative idea and innovation managementCustomers co-creation and communitiesPartners co-innovation and open callsInnovation Project ManagementUnlock AI-powered use cases across a range of Questel software.Latest resources
- → Gain competitive advantage developing innovation networksTo stay innovative when developing new products and processes in a fast paced enviro...
- → Evaluate technology potentialR & D directors face a set of investment opportunities in different technology devel...
- → Why is it so hard to build and maintain the capacity to innovate?This white paper contains 15 pages of management trends, use cases & solutions for i...
- → Gain competitive advantage developing innovation networks
- Innovation ServicesSuccessful innovation processes and culture are about more than the right software tools. Our innovation services leverage proven methods and approaches to generate insights, ideas, and solutions.→ Read moreOur solutionsMarket screening, Competitive intelligence and Technology scoutingConnect with partners, improve or localize your innovation processProducts and services namingSeamless user experience to a global audienceEngage with new audience globallyLatest resources
- → Why is it so hard to build and maintain the capacity to innovate?This white paper contains 15 pages of management trends, use cases & solutions for i...
- → How to build an effective technology scouting frameworkEvery day, 1,000 scientific articles are published, 8,000 patents are filed, and ove...
- → The Best Practices for leading an Open OrganizationThis White paper has been created based on the participation of more than 120 R&D an...
- → Why is it so hard to build and maintain the capacity to innovate?
- SolutionsAI
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- Artificial Intelligence in IP→ Read more
Discover Questel’s holistic and responsible approach to artificial intelligence
and intellectual property and our vision to inspire the future of IP with AIOur solutionsDiscover how AI is transforming IPIndustry-leading patent drafting software powered by generative AIAI copilots for optimized patent preparation and prosecution workflowsAI copilot for automated patent classificationAI copilot for elevated trademark clearance searchUnlock AI-powered use cases across a range of Questel software.Proof of UseNewCapture Trademark Evidence of Use with AILatest resources- → From AI to Integrated Services: The IP Trends Revealed by Our 2024 IP Outlook Research As part of our 2024 IP Outlook Research, we set out to measure the impact of emergin...
- → AI and IP: How to Integrate AI into Patent Portfolio Management AI-based technologies are increasingly revolutionizing how we manage, maintain, and ...
- → Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Your Prosecution WorkUnlock exclusive insights and discover how Qthena, the AI-powered prosecution assist...
- → From AI to Integrated Services: The IP Trends Revealed by Our 2024 IP Outlook Research
- Integrated IP Ecosystem→ Read more
Optimize your intellectual property assets with our comprehensive IP portfolio management solutions,
ensuring maximum protection and strategic advantage for your business.Our solutionsIP management systems, docketing, forecasting, data analytics, blockchain, and eBilling toolsOur web-based platform for IP services managementPAVIS Connect, our solution for companies and laws firms that already have an IP management systemAccess trademark watches directly from Equinox with Markify Watch integrationLatest resources- → How to Develop a Robust Trademark Search and Watching ProgramFrom choosing a trademark to registration and enforcement, the trademark lifecycle c...
- → The Power of IPMS Technology for IP Lifecycle Management By choosing an end-to-end integrated IP management system (IPMS), you can build effi...
- → When Is the Right Time to Upgrade Your IP Management Software?When you are overloaded by IP administrative tasks and deadlines, switching to a new...
- → How to Develop a Robust Trademark Search and Watching Program
- Solutions for Law FirmsStreamline internal processes, satisfy client demand, and remain competitive with our specialist solutions for law firms→ Read moreOur solutionsAll-in-one patent prosecution workflow, data, and collaboration workspace.Patent Office Action Response Management with AIIndustry-leading patent drafting software powered by generative AIPowerful all-in-one IPMS for law firmsPowerful patent searching and analysisScreen and monitor your trademark rights effectively with our Markify platformStreamline multilingual matters with fast and reliable legal translation servicesCentralized patent translation servicesFee and renewals managementTrademark and design renewal servicesLatest resources
- → Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Your Prosecution WorkUnlock exclusive insights and discover how Qthena, the AI-powered prosecution assist...
- → Can Your IPMS Help Build Strong Client Relationships?Cultivating strong client relationships is incredibly important for IP law firms. Yo...
- → How Equinox Law Firm Supports Redchip Lawyers to Save Time and Build RelationshipsFor law firms with large, multi-disciplinary practices, an IP management system (IPM...
- → Leverage Artificial Intelligence to Simplify Your Prosecution Work
- Solutions for Life Sciences→ Read more
Intellectual property management tools, services, and insights to support life sciences innovation strategies
Our solutionsDNA and amino acid searching and analysisSmall molecules searching and analysisExplore new markets and opportunitiesBest-in-class trademark results paired with key pharmaceutical sourcesPowerful all-in-one IPMS for corporatesTranslation solutions across the product lifecycle—from patent to post-marketCentralized patent translation servicesFee and renewals managementTrademark and design renewal servicesLSPN North America Awards recognize QuestelLatest resources- → The Technology Landscape of Precision Medicine: An IP AnalysisTechnological developments in gene sequencing, imagery, and data analysis are enabli...
- → Harnessing the Power of Patent AnalyticsPatent analytics can reveal new application areas, diversification opportunities, an...
- → Patent Data Analytics, It’s Not Just for Patent SearchingThere are many reasons why organizations may conduct patent searching exercises and—...
- → The Technology Landscape of Precision Medicine: An IP Analysis
- Solutions for R&D and Innovation→ Read more
Strengthen, structure, and maximize your R&D and innovation strategy, workflows, and internal processes by harnessing the latest tools and technologies, including through smart application of generative AI.
Our solutionsCreate more efficient and scalable innovation management processesCollaborative invention-to-filing workflowCollaborative worklfow for trademark and design proposalsMarket screening, competitive intelligence, and technology scoutingStreamline your research and development workflows with AILatest resources- → 6G technology: Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface patents and the next generation of mobile networks By enabling use of 6G technology, innovation in Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces ...
- → Handling a Brand Project Made Simple, Thanks to Equinox Brand ProposalDiscover how Equinox Brand Proposal can help you to manage your Design & Trademark p...
- → AI Patents: What Patent Mapping Can Tell Us About Future AI Technologies Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving all the time thanks to the growing quantiti...
- → 6G technology: Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface patents and the next generation of mobile networks
- Language Solutions→ Read more
Translation, interpretation and tech-enabled localization services and language solutions that help global organizations open up new markets, overcome regulatory hurdles and connect with audiences worldwide.
Our solutionsStreamline multilingual matters with fast and reliable legal translation servicesTranslation solutions across the product lifecycle—from patent to post-marketManage operations, ensure compliance, and maintain consistent messaging worldwideLatest resources- → Best practices for medical device labeling translationsThe heavily regulated medical device industry often requires translating necessary d...
- → Translation: a key component of FCPA compliance white paperIn response to millions of illegal payments made out by U.S. corporations to obtain ...
- → The Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Dependable Translation Partner for Technical DocumentationWhen it comes to technical documentation, choosing the right translation partner can...
- → Best practices for medical device labeling translations
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The patent application process: 4 common mistakes to avoid
If you want to profit off something new and amazing that you created – or at the very least, get credit for your invention – obtaining a patent can lock down the rights to your intellectual property. However, the patent application process is long, complicated and very costly. It must also be completed in every country in which you wish to be protected. So before you begin your patent journey, take a moment to make sure that you don’t accidentally put a stumbling block in front of your own success.
Make sure the invention is patentable
Patents give you territorial rights – meaning they only protect you in the country or region in which your patent is granted. Most countries rely on three basic requirements to grant a patent: the invention must be novel, non-obvious and useful. However, there are different interpretations in different countries – and entire debates on whether certain subject matter areas are even patentable at all (e.g. animals, plants and DNA). So, before starting the patent application process, you need to decide where you want to file and then check that your invention meets the patentability requirements in each of those countries.
Make sure no one else thought of the idea first
Patents are only issued for new ideas that can be commercialized. If anything has been made public about your invention – at any time – it can invalidate your patent application. Evidence that your invention is already known is called prior art. Before you start the patent application process, you must complete a prior art search to ensure that you really are the first to come up with your idea.
Prior art can include almost anything. It can be an existing patent, a college thesis, a magazine article, a website, a prehistoric cave painting, or a modern-day Tweet. In fact, according to the European Patent Office (EPO), “prior art does not need to exist physically” at all. The EPO says, “It is enough that someone, somewhere, sometime previously has described or shown or made something that contains a use of technology that is very similar to your invention.”
You can conduct an initial prior art search on your own. Start by thinking of all the ways your invention could be described, and then search the internet to see if it’s really the case that you got there first. You can search the records of individual countries using their IP authorities’ search engines (such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or the EPO). Check Google Patents to get a sense of what has already been patented internationally. Then, if you don’t find any prior art yourself, consider hiring a patent search firm like Questel. The thoroughness a qualified professional brings to the table simply can’t be matched by an amateur search – and if you want to patent your invention internationally, it can be well worth the expense.
Don’t talk about your invention!
You’re probably excited about your invention, but if you want to successfully patent it you cannot let it become public knowledge. That could constitute prior art. One practical way of ensuring confidentially is to put a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) into place before telling a person about your work. This includes anyone testing your invention for you or otherwise helping with its development, as well as any patent attorneys or agents conducting a patent search for you.
Note: In the U.S., you generally don’t need to ask a patent attorney or agent for a confidentiality agreement because they’re obliged under Title 37 of U.S. federal law to treat your materials confidentially – even if you’re just a prospective client. In other countries, you will need to find out what local laws dictate about your interactions there.
Don’t write an ineffective patent application
Once you feel confident that your invention is patentable, you can begin working on its patent application(s). If you’re drafting your own patent application — or even if you’re preparing your information for a patent attorney or agent — it’s important to describe your invention in a way that will make sense to a non-expert. Keep the following in mind:
- Processes that may seem obvious to you probably won’t look that way to a patent examiner or lawyer. You need to spell out each step with detailed clarity.
- Terminology that is second-nature to you may sound like incomprehensible jargon to everyone else. Make sure to explain any terminology that is not common knowledge.
- Illustrations do not make up for shortfalls in descriptive text. Illustrations are there to support the text, not takes its place.
The bottom line is that making assumptions about what others know is dangerous. A patent, once issued, is a legal document in which wording may be the key element in causing or resolving a dispute. To give your invention the best chance for success, be sure to leave nothing out.
Patent translation considerations
When you have decided where you want to file, it’s time to consider what translations are required. While many US firms employ experienced, certified translators, only a small number of these firms specialize in patent translations. And even fewer utilize native language translators in the target countries with the technical and linguistic background to handle a complex nanotech or biological patent.
But even that is not sufficient. Even the best translators, editors, and project managers probably do not have the necessary legal and technical knowledge to guarantee the most accurate translation possible. It takes a patent lawyer with significant expertise in his country’s patent laws and a grasp of legal nuances related to a patent’s claims. That is why Questel has native language patent attorneys to oversee the translation process, and carefully edit and proofread the translated application. We believe that it takes a patent lawyer, and most of the patent lawyers that we are pleased to count among our clients believe it does too.
Compromising on patent translation costs should not entail compromising on quality. And one aspect of quality you should absolutely not compromise on is ensuring that your translated applications are carefully reviewed by a patent attorney in the target country before they are filed.
Find out how we could support your team with our dedicated, end-to-end patent filing and translation services, by scheduling a call with one of our team today.