Ideation International has developed powerful I-TRIZ analytical methods to provide asset growth solutions to Intellectual Property departments of domestic and international enterprises, universities, university start-up companies, as well as research foundations and institutes. These services include the application of proprietary and patented breakthrough computer-assisted processes for the evaluation, opinion formation, and forecasting of inventions and patents, which can have a major impact on increasing IP portfolio value and growth.

Ideation’s IP services provide high-level expertise to enhance the value of proprietary technologies, inventions, patents and patent portfolios. These methods can be used to quantitatively assess the logical correctness of a patent, discover additional innovations in technologies taught by patents, and provide highly credible expectations of the future evolution of patented technologies.

DISCLOSURE INSPECTION

Analysts uncover, display and codify the interrelationships among the functional elements of an invention disclosure or technology description submitted by the client. They also develop and provide a suggested list of claims as well as a list of alternatives to expand the inventive reach of the disclosure or technology description.

PROCESS

• Analysis of the invention, including:
  – Review of materials provided by the client
  – Development of the logic pattern of the invention and its graphical depiction
  – Generation of a comprehensive list of pre-claims derived from the logic pattern
  – Automated formulation of possible directions for enhancing the invention

• Evaluation of the invention's evolutionary potential, including:
  – Mapping the invention onto related "patterns of evolution"
  – Assessment of key inventive elements in comparison with the prior art
  – Assessment of the inventive level (from 1 to 5) of the invention

DELIVERABLES

• Graphical depiction of the main elements of the invention and the connections between them
• List of automatically formulated pre-claims
• Conclusion that includes an assessment of the disclosure’s potential, and possible avenues for its expansion

BENEFITS

• Improved licensability results from having a clear and concise understanding of the invention
• A more comprehensive patent is made possible by exposing all possible inventive elements of the disclosure
• Reduced attorney costs result from having a complete list of all possible claims
• Improved likelihood of future related inventions
• Aids inventors’ research programs and enhances their ability to attract funding

PATENT ANALYSIS

Analysts employ a patented methodology to generate a graphical depiction of the logical structure of the invention described in the patent. This diagrammatic approach exposes both the weaknesses and strengths in the patent and its claim structure. The software that embodies the specialized methodology further produces a comprehensive list of suggested avenues for development that may strengthen, expand or extend the patent.

PROCESS

• Analysis of the patent, including:
  – Review of client-provided application or issued patent
  – Development of the logic pattern of the invention and its graphical depiction
  – Automated formulation of possible directions for enhancing the invention
• Evaluation of the invention’s evolutionary potential, including:
  – Mapping the invention onto related "patterns of evolution"
  – Assessment of key inventive elements in comparison with the prior art
• Revealing the basic resources employed within the invention, and identifying additional evolutionary resources
• Assessment of the patent’s potential and possible avenues for its expansion

DELIVERABLES

• Graphical depiction of the main elements of the invention and the connections between them
• List of automatically formulated directions for further development
• List of the basic resources employed in the patent and additional resources that may contribute to further development
• Conclusion that includes an assessment of the disclosure’s potential, and possible avenues for its expansion

BENEFITS

• A clear and comprehensive understanding of the invention that will improve the ability to identify and close deals with licensees
• Exposure of likely avenues for further development so that the broadest possible protection can be gained for the invention and related technology
• Enables the identification of all possible markets for the invention, along with a clear exposition of the boundaries of each
• For licensed patents, improved odds for closing investment deals
• Aids inventors' research programs and improves their ability to attract funding

PATENT DECONSTRUCTION

Analysts conduct a focused patent analysis to meet the client’s objectives, which typically include litigation support, infringement avoidance, and circumvention of a competitor’s patent. This work is carried out in close partnership with client personnel so that the competitive landscape be fully appreciated by the III analysts.

PROCESS

• Analysis of the patent, including:
  – Review of client-provided patents coupled with interviews of client marketing staff
  – Formulation of the logic pattern of the invention and its graphical depiction
  – Individual diagramming of each independent claim to support the detailed level of ensuing work
   
• Identifying avenues for strengthening the patent and opportunities for protection against infringement or invent-around, including:
  – Revealing elements for possible exclusion and/or identifying functions that might be delegated to other elements
  – Revealing non-removable elements for possible integration
  – Revealing and utilizing the client’s resources in order to provide the best technical and economic recommendations for implementing the suggested directions

DELIVERABLES

• Graphical depiction of elements in major claims, as well as the interconnections for each patent and/or related patents
• Where weaknesses are identified, suggestions for buttressing the protection will be provided based upon the logical depictions of the diagrams
• Brief textual descriptions of future directions for the patent(s) to strengthen and broaden its protection

BENEFITS

• Assistance in the crafting of effective legal arguments for attorneys litigating on the client’s behalf
• Assistance in assessing the client’s position relative to that of the litigant
• Specific suggestions for an invention/technology that will avoid infringement of an unlicensed patent or a competitor’s patent
• Specific suggestions to enhance the inventiveness of a client’s patent or provide new patent applications to protect the technology that will circumvent a competitor’s patent

IP services are the front-line for developing a stronger legal protection for the inventors, but incorporating the process in an integrated cycle, will enhance the possibility of a successful commercializing of the Technology/Product being developed.

The frame-work which we offer for complete services includes:

-       IPS and SPS for concept generation, and problem solving

-       AFD

-       Patent Search

-       Patent Services prior to Patent filing (Disclosure Inspection Service)

-       Filing for patent

-       Patent Services after Patent filing (Patent Analysis Service, Patent Deconstruction Service)

-       DE

-       Product development/Proof of Concept – through a third party firm (optional)

-       Commercializing (Marketing, Licensing)