search column

search column

2024.04.15 ｜ search column

Announcement of start of sales of Aztec Trend Report (Azurepo)

　We are now starting to provide easy-to-use analysis reports on technology fields that have been attracting attention in recent years.

　Regarding trending technology fields, we are interested in the annual trends in the number of patent applications and the applicants who have a large number of patent applications, and such analytical information can be expected to be used in a variety of situations.

　Therefore, Aztec provides the Aztec Trend Report (Aztec Trend Report), which is a report that includes analysis data and noteworthy patent information that can be easily used for various purposes, along with a patent population list created by Japan's leading searchers. I will do it.
search column

2024.04.01 ｜ search column

(Short report) Search on patent application trends for drive units for electrically assisted bicycles

　Electrically assisted bicycles in Japan have become popular since they are city cycles (commonly known as mamachari) with an electric assist unit added. The reason for this is that in 2009, it became legal for bicycles to carry three people as long as they met the standards for two-seater bicycles, making it convenient for children to pick up and drop off their bicycles (less pedaling force required). Bicycles became popular. (If two children were carried, the weight would be over 30 kg, making it unstable to drive by hand, so electric power to assist the pedal force was required.) In addition, in the world (especially Europe), emphasis is placed on sportiness. The spread of electrically assisted bicycles is accelerating. As described above, demand for electrically assisted bicycles is showing signs of increasing demand both in Japan and abroad. In the future, it is likely that most bicycles will be equipped with electric assist, and further development of electric drive units will be required. Therefore, we will analyze the status of patent applications focusing on drive units, which are the main parts of electrically assisted bicycles, and predict future trends in electrically assisted bicycles.
search column

2024.03.01 ｜ search column

Patent research in ventures

　Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “Search on the actual situation of university-based ventures” in June 2023^*1About 6% of the companies are research result-based ventures, nearly 5% are companies with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and the majority are companies with capital of less than 1 million yen. etc. have been reported. This suggests that university-originated ventures utilize research results and start businesses with limited funds and human resources. In this column, I will discuss patent research in ventures based on my own experience working in research and development at a university-based biotech venture.
search column

2024.02.01 ｜ search column

(Short report) Search on patent application trends for “high-temperature gas furnaces”

　If we are to achieve carbon neutrality, we cannot avoid nuclear power generation, which does not emit as much carbon dioxide as thermal power generation and has a stable supply capacity. However, following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in 2011, it has become difficult to increase the number of large light water reactors.
　Under these circumstances, in July 2022, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry began considering creating a roadmap for the development of next-generation nuclear power plants such as high-temperature gas reactors (HTGRs), which are said to have a high level of safety. news was seen^{※ 1}. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has announced that it will mass produce hydrogen using a high-temperature gas reactor (HTGR) in April 2022.^{※ 2}In July 2023, it was selected as a core company for the development of a high-temperature gas reactor demonstration reactor promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.^{※ 3}, positive trends can be seen. As described above, high-temperature gas furnaces are currently attracting attention.
　In addition, in the UK, the government is providing approximately 250 billion yen in subsidies for the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, including high-temperature gas reactors; in the US, a startup company, X-energy, has developed a high-temperature gas reactor, which the government fully supports; However, high-temperature gas reactors are attracting attention around the world, with a demonstration reactor reaching criticality for the first time in 2021.^{※ 4}.
　Therefore, we investigated trends in patent applications related to high-temperature gas furnaces.
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2024.01.01 ｜ search column

(Interview with the President) About Aztec's founding and future

　Aztec Co., Ltd. will celebrate its 2024th anniversary in June 6.
With the 35th anniversary approaching, we wanted as many people as possible to learn about Aztec, so we spoke to President Ogura, the company's representative, about Aztec's founding and future plans.
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2023.12.01 ｜ search column

How to use the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for searchers

　There are more than 160 "patent offices" in the world.Each office often has its own homepage, but many people may find it difficult to visit the homepages of overseas patent offices.Therefore, in this column series, we will explore ways to make using overseas patent offices as easy as possible, even for beginners.　　
　This third installment of the series will focus on the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
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2023.11.01 ｜ search column

European unitary patent system and points to keep in mind when searching

　On June 2023, 6, the Unified Patent Court Agreement (UPC Agreement) entered into force, and the "European Unitary Patent System", which combines the European patent with unitary effect and the Unified Patent Court, was launched.When filing a European patent application, in addition to the traditional European patent, there are now more options for a European patent with unitary effect.
　In this article, I would like to provide an overview of this system and provide points to keep in mind when searching for European patents.
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2023.10.01 ｜ search column

New employee interview

　This time, we will introduce the contents of interviews with three employees who joined the company in April 2023.We asked new employees to tell us about Aztec from their perspective, including what led them to apply, their impressions after joining the company, and the rewarding work they do.Additionally, Aztec has introduced a work-from-home system, and we were able to hear their honest impressions from their actual experience regarding remote training and work.
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2023.09.01 ｜ search column

J-PlatPat as database

　These days, there are many privately-operated patent databases, and I think that many people who conduct patent searches use one of these databases.The Japanese Patent Office also provides a database service on a site called J-PlatPat.Although it lacks a variety of services compared to databases operated by the private sector, it is worth using as it is the largest database of domestic patents.Therefore, in this column, I will introduce J-PlatPat as a database and its simple usage.
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2023.08.01 ｜ search column

Characteristics of the Chinese patent application system and Chinese search tools

　To research Chinese patents, it is important to understand the Chinese patent system.As a Chinese researcher in Japan, I often compare Japan and China. Based on this, we will explore the main differences from Japan in the patent application system (equivalent to patents, utility models, and designs in Japan).In addition, since the utilization of search tools is extremely important in dealing with the ever-increasing number of applications, the latest trends in patent search tools will be introduced at the end.
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2023.07.01 ｜ search column

(Short Report) Trend Search of Office Supplies Using Thermochromic Materials

　Writing instruments that use thermochromic materials have become commonplace in the world over the past few years.During my research, I occasionally came across inventions that made good use of the characteristics of thermochromic materials, which I found very interesting.Thermochromic materials are used in a variety of fields, but this time, we conducted a trend search to find out what kind of application inventions exist, especially in the field of office supplies.
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2023.06.01 ｜ search column

Creating awareness for security measures

　In the previous column "Aztec Information Security System", I introduced the company's security system.
　Aztec has acquired ISO27001 (ISMS), and I am in charge of the implementation and operation of internal security measures and in-house education in the Information Security Committee.

　When undertaking search work, we will be entrusted with highly confidential information from our customers, so we will not allow any leakage or loss of information.As a company, we recognize that security measures are the most important issue, and for that reason, security measures on a daily basis are extremely important.
　From my point of view, I feel that security measures are being taken at a higher level than usual within the company.However, it is meaningless if the rules are not followed, including carelessness.In order to follow the rules, it is important for employees to have a high level of security awareness, but when it comes to "security education," the content tends to be rigid.We would like to introduce our efforts to make employees aware of security without raising the threshold.
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2023.05.01 ｜ search column

About non-patent searches

　We often receive requests for so-called "non-patent searches," which target information other than patent information, but non-patent information has various characteristics that are different from patent information.In this article, we will discuss the types of cases in which non-patent searches are often conducted, and how they differ from patent information.
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2023.04.21 ｜ search column

Subsidies and grants that can be used for patent searches and applications

　Aztec provides patent research and analysis services.We conduct searchs as necessary information for technology rights acquisition and product development, but there is also a certain cost.In particular, we hear from small and medium-sized enterprises that they are struggling to secure a budget for intellectual property activities.
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2023.04.01 ｜ search column

How to use the European Patent Office (EPO) for searchers

　There are more than 160 patent offices in the world.Each office often has its own website, but many people may find it difficult to visit the websites of foreign patent offices.Therefore, in this column series, we will explore how even beginners can use foreign patent offices as easily as possible.

　This time we will focus on the European Patent Office.
search column

2023.03.01 ｜ search column

Possible cases when it is unclear whether the registration procedure will be carried out

　In the past, I received a request for an invalid document search for an application that had just been granted a patent, and when I tried to start the search, the progress information on J-PlatPat was not updated even after 30 days or more had passed since the grant of a patent. There was a time when I hesitated as to whether I should proceed with the search because I did not know whether the payment had been made.Therefore, we investigated the possible cases in this case.
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2023.02.16 ｜ search column

Application of ChatGPT and AI Chatbot to Patent Search Business

　ChatGPT announced by OpenAI in November 2022^{※ 1}has become a hot topic due to its high performance.This column examines ChatGPT and other similar services from the perspective of their applicability to patent search operations.
search column

2023.02.01 ｜ search column

(Short Report) Patent Application Trend Search on “Powered Suits/Artificial Muscles”

　Exoskeleton-type or clothing devices that enhance and support movement and physical abilities when worn by humans are called powered suits.Also known as a reinforced suit or assist suit, it is actually usedThe industry is mainly nursing care and logistics sitesIt can be used to lift heavy loads or to support a person requiring nursing care from a bed to a wheelchair, reducing the burden on the worker's body and helping to prevent back pain.
　Powered suits can be roughly divided into ①motor(below), and (XNUMX) rubber and springArtificial muscleThere is a type that supports using
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2023.01.01 ｜ search column

Ask the Patent Search Competition 2022 Gold Certified!

　This time, as a follow-up to "I will participate in the Patent Search Competition 2022!", I won the highest award at the Patent Search Competition 2022.Kudowas awarded Gold Certification(I.e.,Urayamato three people ofHashima,IshizakaI would like to introduce the pattern of the round-table discussion held by the members who added two people.
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2022.12.01 ｜ search column

The Concept of Cloud Services and Patent Search

　In recent years, the penetration of cloud-related technologies such as AWS into society has been remarkable, and it is expected that cloud-related themes will increase in the content of patent searches.I have also conducted cloud-related research, but at that time, I felt the difficulty of both classification and KW selection.Therefore, this time, we considered why cloud-related research is difficult, the definition of the cloud, services in the real world, and how they are represented as patent publications and granted patent classifications.
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2022.11.01 ｜ search column

(Short Report) Patent Application Trend Search on e-fuel

　Aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, various efforts are being made in all fields and industries under the "Green Growth Strategy" formulated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry at the end of 2020.In the automobile industry as well, the development of synthetic fuels is underway*1 in order to move towards decarbonization using existing engine vehicles.
　Synthetic fuels are fuels produced by synthesizing CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2 (hydrogen).By combining CO2 emitted from refineries and factories with hydrogen and electricity derived from renewable energy (renewable energy) and synthesis technology, it is possible to create a carbon-neutral fuel. Synthetic fuel using hydrogen is called “e-fuel”.
　NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) is also working on the establishment of technology for the integrated production of liquid synthetic fuel for engines*2, and future development of e-fuel is desired.Therefore, we investigated patent applications related to e-fuel.
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2022.10.01 ｜ search column

A search that includes elements that are difficult to verbalize

　In a patent search, we conceptualize elements from the contents of the search and create a search population by combining patent classifications such as F-terms and keywords.However, in the case of searchs that include elements that are difficult to verbalize, such as "chemical structures," it may be difficult to conceptualize the elements.I will introduce some of the research methods that I have learned so far regarding research that includes elements that are difficult to verbalize such as "chemical structural formulas".
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2022.09.01 ｜ search column

How to use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for searchers

　There are more than 160 patent offices in the world.Each office often has its own website, but many people may find it difficult to visit the websites of foreign patent offices.Therefore, in this column, we will explore how even beginners can use foreign patent offices as easily as possible.This time we will focus on the United States Patent Office.
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2022.08.22 ｜ search column

Participate in the Patent Search Competition 2022!

　Kudo and Ishizaka, who are planning to participate in the Patent Search Competition 2022 (Reference 2019), are approaching the date of the event. I would like to introduce the pattern of the discussion meeting that I went to.
search column

2022.08.01 ｜ search column

Other companies' rights search based on the actual situation-Applied procedure-

　A third-party patent search is a search to find out whether a certain product (implemented technology) infringes another's patent.In addition, it is also called infringement prevention search, clearance search, FTO search (Freedom To Operate), etc., and there are differences in the culture and policy of each client in how to proceed with the search. Following on from my 2019 column, in this article I will introduce some of the applied methods for investigating the rights of other companies in line with the actual situation, which I have learned through dealing with clients.
search column

2022.07.01 ｜ search column

Abolition of republished patents and points to keep in mind in domestic searches

　In January 2022, the JPO's gazette system was renewed.
(Https://www.jpo.go.jp/system/laws/koho/oshirase/system-sasshin20201222.html)
　One of the main changes is the abolition of "republished patents", which is expected to have various effects on domestic patent searches.In this article, we will explain the impact of the abolition of republished patents and points to keep in mind when conducting domestic searches.　
search column

2021.05.01 ｜ search column

CS term composition

　There are several types of technical classifications, but there are two types of patent classifications unique to Japan: "FI", which is a subdivision of the internationally used IPC, and "F-term", which classifies technical features. There is.And there is another type, "CS term" for searching non-patent documents.
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2021.01.01 ｜ search column

Differences between Japan-China Intellectual Property Law

　It is important to understand the differences from Japan's IP law in order to formulate an effective IP strategy when expanding into China.Since we often compared Japan and China as Chinese who are searchers in Japan, in this paper we will discuss the exclusive interest (equivalent to patents, utility novels, and designs in Japan) system, especially the main points of Japan and China in patents. Introducing the differences and points to note when conducting a search in China. (As of December 2020)
search column

2020.10.12 ｜ search column

(Event Report) Exhibited at the XNUMXst Legal and Intellectual Property EXPO

Hello everyone.I'm Ogura, a sales representative of Aztec.
search column

2020.09.01 ｜ search column

Precautions when searching for F-terms (additional code)

　Some of the F-terms used for patent search have a symbol called "additional code" at the end.Example: "2E110GA32W" ("W" at the end is an additional code).
　Creating a search expression without knowing that the additional code has been added can lead to unexpected results.
　Therefore, I will introduce how to check the additional code and points to note when creating a search formula using F-term.
search column

2020.08.01 ｜ search column

Search at the National Diet Library

　At Aztec, patent searches account for most of the requests, but we also conduct various searches using various approaches other than patent searches using a dedicated DB.This time, we will briefly introduce the tips of the search we are actually conducting regarding the search using the National Diet Library, which is one of the approaches.
search column

2020.07.03 ｜ search column

Structure and reading of chemical patent gazettes

　The composition of chemical patent gazettes is different from that of mechanical patent gazettes, and I think that it may be difficult for those who read mechanical patent gazettes.We hope that understanding the structure of chemical patent gazettes will help improve your peer review.
(This column is intended for those who have read mechanical patent gazettes but have never read chemical patent gazettes.)
search column

2020.06.19 ｜ search column

(Short report) In-vehicle HMI patent application trend search

　The automobile industry is entering an era of change due to the technological domain of CASE (Connectivity: Connectivity, Autonomous: Autonomous Driving, Shared & Services: Sharing Services, Electric: Electrification), and how drivers and occupants spend their time in the car. Is also required to change.In an autonomous driving environment, the driver will be freed from driving and want to spend more comfortably in the car with the rest of the occupants.Therefore, the importance of in-vehicle HMI (Human Machine Interface) that connects cars and people is increasing.Therefore, from the aspect of patent application, we investigated how the degree of attention to in-vehicle HMI is changing.
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2020.06.08 ｜ search column

Current status and problems of databases in ASEAN patent search

　The number of patent applications filed with ASEAN countries is on the rise due to the growing interest and attention to ASEAN countries.On the other hand, in many countries, the legislation is inadequate, and it may not be possible to obtain sufficient results in patent searches when applying for patents or implementing projects.
　Based on the above, we will organize information on the current situation and precautions in patent searches in ASEAN countries.
search column

2020.05.01 ｜ search column

Concept of population creation for beginners

　For beginners in research, creating a research population from the content of the research is a barrier.This is because the information you want and the background are different for each search, so the "how to make" the population changes each time.
　However, there are some common "thoughts" in creating a population.Therefore, this time, assuming a pre-application search, which is the basis of the search, I would like to describe the process up to the creation of the search population and the "idea" that I wanted to know when I was a beginner.
search column

2020.04.01 ｜ search column

Lecture on how to read foreign patent gazettes for beginners

　Thanks to the information infrastructure in recent years, it has become easier to obtain foreign literature.For this reason, I think that the number of people who are blessed with the opportunity to read not only Japanese patent gazettes but also foreign patent gazettes (or "opportunities to read") has increased.
　On the other hand, I often hear people say that it is difficult to read foreign patent gazettes.Certainly, in foreign patent gazettes, it often happens that you do not know how to read a long sentence written in a foreign language, or you are reading from the beginning of the sentence but you can not find the point and get confused. It's easy.
However, when reading a patent gazette, there should be overwhelmingly more opportunities to "get the information you need" than to "enjoy reading as a reading material."If so, I think that the purpose of "reading the gazette" can be achieved even if it is a foreign patent gazette by grasping the point of "where" the "information you want to know" is "stated".
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2020.03.24 ｜ search column

Aztec's information security system

　In the previous column (*), we introduced the advantages and disadvantages to consider when considering outsourcing of internal operations.
　(*) "Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing patent search (XNUMX)"
　(*) "Advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing patent search (XNUMX)"
　When examining a contractor, not only the advantages but also how to reduce the disadvantages is important, but even if information is collected from the outside, it is difficult to grasp the detailed situation of the contractor. I can't.Therefore, this time, I would like to introduce Aztec's information security measures and management mechanism in relation to the "weakening of governance" introduced in the above column.
search column

2020.02.01 ｜ search column

Use for patent family basics and research

　A group of patent documents that claim priority based on a certain patent application and are filed in each country (including their own country) is called a "patent family".
　In this article, we will introduce you to the basic knowledge about patent families and how patent family information can be used in patent searches.
search column

2020.01.01 ｜ search column

How to make an effective search request

　Aztec provides patent-related search services, and various inquiries and requests come in every day.Of course, we respond to any request so that we can make a certain report, but on the other hand, it is also a fact that the search quality is affected by the method of request.
　So, this time, I would like to touch on the points for making more effective search requests.It does not mean that you will not be able to investigate without these, but please remember when you want to find "+ α".
search column

2019.12.01 ｜ search column

Basics of how to proceed with the rights search of other companies

　Another company's rights search is an search to see if a certain product (implemented technology) infringes another person's patent.In addition, it is also called infringement prevention search, clearance search, FTO search (Freedom To Operate), etc., and each company has its own characteristics in how to proceed with the search.In this article, I will introduce the basic idea when proceeding with the rights search of other companies.
search column

2019.11.01 ｜ search column

Easy patent search (foreign patent documents)

　Previously, I introduced the search method by number and keyword as the search method in "J-PlatPat" which is a free database under the title of "Easy patent search".
　At that time, I mentioned that foreign patent documents can be searched by keyword search, but the searchable targets have been expanded compared to a few years ago.Therefore, this time, I re-examined how and what can be searched in "J-PlatPat".
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2019.10.01 ｜ search column

Basics of invalid material search

　There are various types of patent searches, such as pre-application search, other company's rights search, and technology trend search. Among them, invalid material search is a search that comprehensively requires legal skills, technical skills, and search skills.This time, I will briefly explain the points of the invalid material search and the search strategy planning.
search column

2019.09.11 ｜ search column

Aztec's in-house support system

　Aztec is an independent research company specializing in the search and analysis of patent information, and we believe that it is a relatively niche position among companies in the IP industry.In the hiring scene, we are often compared to major companies, and we are struggling to secure better human resources every year.In fact, the job market has become a seller's market in the last few years, and although there are differences depending on the type of industry and the size of the company, it has become difficult to hire one person.In addition to hiring, it is also our mission to develop search professionals to provide higher quality patent searches.

　I (Ogura), who is in charge of this column, is in charge of human resources and general affairs in business, so by introducing the two in-house systems (working from home and educational support) that Aztec is actually implementing, I would like you to know the company Aztec from another aspect.
search column

2019.08.09 ｜ search column

Advantages and disadvantages of patent search outsourcing (XNUMX)

　As a point when considering outsourcing patent search, we will send the advantages and disadvantages in two parts.In the second half, we will look at the disadvantages, following the advantages of the first half.
search column

2019.08.01 ｜ search column

Advantages and Disadvantages of Patent Search Outsourcing (XNUMX)

　There are many companies that provide IP-related search services in Japan alone, including patent offices (Aztec is one of them).Many people in the IP industry may have experience in using or considering the use of such so-called outsourcing to outsourced companies.This time, I would like to sort out the advantages and disadvantages of search consignment from the perspective of the research company.However, in order to objectively discuss the "viewpoint of the research company" so that it does not become a water draw, we will proceed in line with the general theory of outsourcing.
search column

2019.07.01 ｜ search column

Duration of patent right

Looking at the patent gazette, various dates come out.
For example, filing date, publication date, registration date, (publication) issue date, ...
search column

2019.06.01 ｜ search column

Keyword search techniques and ideas

Searching using keywords is as familiar as Google search, and it is a search method that can be easily performed without using patent classification even in patent search.This paper introduces applied methods and ideas from basic keyword search methods that can be used mainly for patent searches and also for paper searches.
search column

2019.05.01 ｜ search column

Easy patent search

[Updated with the renewal of J-PlatPat on May 2019, 5]
search column

2019.04.01 ｜ search column

Basic knowledge of patent information

Knowledge of patent information is indispensable for conducting patent search analysis.What is patent information here?What do you know?Or do you not know?I would like to briefly explain about.
search column

2019.04.01 ｜ search column

About this column

　Aztec distributes columns on patent information and research analysis.

Recent Columns

Announcement of start of sales of Aztec Trend Report (Azurepo)
(Short report) Search on patent application trends for drive units for electrically assisted bicycles
Patent research in ventures
(Short report) Search on patent application trends for “high-temperature gas furnaces”

Announcements

News

Columns

search column

2024.04.15 ｜ search column

Announcement of start of sales of Aztec Trend Report (Azurepo)

search column

2024.04.01 ｜ search column

(Short report) Search on patent application trends for drive units for electrically assisted bicycles

search column

2024.03.01 ｜ search column

Patent research in ventures

search column

2024.02.01 ｜ search column

(Short report) Search on patent application trends for “high-temperature gas furnaces”

search column

2024.01.01 ｜ search column

(Interview with the President) About Aztec's founding and future

search column

2023.12.01 ｜ search column

How to use the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for searchers

search column

2023.11.01 ｜ search column

European unitary patent system and points to keep in mind when searching

search column

2023.10.01 ｜ search column

New employee interview

search column

2023.09.01 ｜ search column

J-PlatPat as database

search column

2023.08.01 ｜ search column

Characteristics of the Chinese patent application system and Chinese search tools

search column

2023.07.01 ｜ search column

(Short Report) Trend Search of Office Supplies Using Thermochromic Materials

search column

2023.06.01 ｜ search column

Creating awareness for security measures

search column

2023.05.01 ｜ search column

About non-patent searches

search column

2023.04.21 ｜ search column

Subsidies and grants that can be used for patent searches and applications

search column

2023.04.01 ｜ search column

How to use the European Patent Office (EPO) for searchers

search column

2023.03.01 ｜ search column

Possible cases when it is unclear whether the registration procedure will be carried out

search column

2023.02.16 ｜ search column

Application of ChatGPT and AI Chatbot to Patent Search Business

search column

2023.02.01 ｜ search column

(Short Report) Patent Application Trend Search on “Powered Suits/Artificial Muscles”

search column

2023.01.01 ｜ search column

Ask the Patent Search Competition 2022 Gold Certified!

search column

2022.12.01 ｜ search column

The Concept of Cloud Services and Patent Search

search column

2022.11.01 ｜ search column

(Short Report) Patent Application Trend Search on e-fuel

search column

2022.10.01 ｜ search column

A search that includes elements that are difficult to verbalize

search column

2022.09.01 ｜ search column

How to use the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for searchers

search column

2022.08.22 ｜ search column

Participate in the Patent Search Competition 2022!

search column

2022.08.01 ｜ search column

Other companies' rights search based on the actual situation-Applied procedure-

search column