Patent Invalidation Search – Wikipedia Timeline

In an invalidation search its been very difficult to look for non-patent stuff before a particular year, lets say before 1994. We have already discussed few strategies, such as Google timeline etc., but as I always say  – New strategies and sources should be constantly evolved.

Another very useful method for non-patent literature in patent invalidations search could be information about the History of a particular technology available in Wikipedia.

For example, if you are invalidating some patent that relates to Virtual Learning, then a good way to start would be to look here:

History of virtual learning environments

Though Wikipedia cannot be used as a reliable source but it provides enough hints that may help the researcher to reach to an authentic page.

Patent Invalidation Search – Patent Translation

Invalidation Search is never complete without looking at non-English patents.

Many people face difficulties in analyzing these patents so they never search and analyze.

If you speak English then you may find it difficult to analyze German patents. BUT we can analyze them using different translation tools, such as

• Google Translation
• Bable Fish Translation
• European (Espacenet) translation

The above translation schemes are used by many people in the industry. So there is nothing new.

However, there is a better translation available by Windows Live.

The best part of this translation feature is that it is integrated in the browser (IE) toolbar. So while you are analyzing/searching patents in other jurisdictions, just by a click of a button you will get their translation in your preferred language.

Further, it provides a unique interface where the user can see the input and output simultaneously.

This according to me enhances the speed of analysis. Though, I believe for most people the interface may not make much difference as the main interest is to analyze the translated text and showing the original text may not be useful.

However, this sometimes provides you with new words that can later be used in key strings to obtain patents of other language.

So use patent search in German, French and in any other language you desire. Also, get relevant keywords in other languages to obtain more relevant patents.