25 Questions
What is the approximate number of subclasses in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system?
70000
Which of the following is NOT one of the 8 main sections of the International Patent Classification (IPC) system?
Electronics
What is a drawback of the International Patent Classification (IPC) system?
New classes are created, but earlier patents are not re-classified
What is the hierarchical structure of the International Patent Classification (IPC) system marked by?
Letters, numbers, and symbols
How many main sections does the International Patent Classification (IPC) system have?
8
What should you do if your invention was previously patented or disclosed in an application?
Stop here
What is the primary benefit of classification searching?
It performs prior art searches independently of the language used
What is the relationship between classification searching and textual searching?
They can be used in parallel
What happens if you find that your invention was previously patented or disclosed in an application?
You should stop the patent process
What is the purpose of performing a prior art search?
To determine the patentability of an invention
What is a primary factor that influences a company's IP strategy?
Business model
What type of business models are mentioned as being relevant to a company's IP strategy?
Open business models
What variation is observed in the use of patents across different industries?
Sectoral differences in patent usage
What is NOT a primary factor influencing a company's IP strategy?
Competitor analysis
What can be inferred about the IP strategies of companies with different business models?
They are tailored to the business model
What is the primary reason why obvious key words may be ineffective in search engines?
They are too generic
What type of search terms may be more productive in search engines?
Specialist technical terms
Who may be more likely to know the most productive search terms?
Expert researchers
What is the primary challenge in using search engines effectively?
Finding the right search terms
What is the implication of using obvious key words in search engines?
Less relevant search results
What is the primary impact of counterfeit products on consumers?
They gain utility from the innovative functionalities.
How do counterfeit products affect the owners?
They experience moderate damage due to brand dilution and lower sales.
What is a positive outcome of counterfeit products for the owners?
Unpaid advertising contributing to circulation and visibility of the trademark.
Why do buyers of counterfeit products not typically buy the original product?
They would not have bought the original product anyway.
What is a limitation of the damage caused by brand dilution?
Buyers of counterfeit products are aware they are buying a fake.
Study Notes
International Patent Classification (IPC)
- Has a hierarchical structure consisting of sections, classes, subclasses, groups, and subgroups, marked by letters, numbers, and symbols
- Approximately 70000 subclasses
- 8 main sections:
- A: Human Necessities
- B: Performing Operations; Transporting
- C: Chemistry; Metallurgy
- D: Textiles; Paper
- E: Fixed Constructions
- F: Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating; Weapons; Blasting Engines or Pumps
- G: Physics
- H: Electricity
Drawbacks of IPC
- As technologies evolve, new classes are created, but earlier patents are not re-classified into the new categories
Patent Search Process
- If the invention was previously patented or disclosed in an application, the search process should stop
- If the invention was not previously patented or disclosed, the next step is classification searching
Classification Searching
- Used in parallel with textual searching
- Performs prior art searches independently of the language used
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
- Companies orchestrate their IP strategy based on their business models, which may be open
- There are sectoral differences in the way patents are used
Effects of Counterfeiting
- Limited damage to consumers, as they gain utility from innovative functionalities and appealing products at a lower price
- Moderate damage to owners:
- Brand dilution is limited, as buyers know they are buying counterfeit products
- Lower sales, but most buyers would not have purchased the original product
- Unpaid advertising is positive, as counterfeits contribute to the circulation and visibility of the original's trademark
This quiz covers the steps involved in searching for prior art, including classification searching, to determine if an invention was previously patented or disclosed. Learn about the patent search process and its importance.
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