A comprehensive patent assessment typically covers:
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Novelty and Inventive Step
Whether the invention is truly new and non-obvious.
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Scope of Claims
How broad or narrow the patent protection is
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Legal Status
Whether the patent is active, expired, or abandoned.
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Prior Art Search
Identifying existing technologies or publications that may affect the patent’s validity.
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Commercial Potential
Relevance to the market, industry trends, and competitive landscape.
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Freedom to Operate (FTO)
Whether using or commercializing the invention may infringe on other patents.
The assessment is usually done by IP professionals using a combination of patent databases, legal analysis, technical review, and market research.
Benefits of patent assessment include risk reduction in R and D and investments, better IP portfolio management, stronger patent drafting and prosecution strategies, enhanced licensing and monetization opportunities, and improved readiness for enforcement or defense in legal disputes.
