Have you always been curious about patent research, but didn’t know where to start? Patent research involves terminology and resources that can be intimidating to the uninitiated. This program will provide a primer on the essentials of patent research to serve as an introduction for researchers who are new to patents.

Are you already "skilled in the art" of patent searching? For more experienced researchers, this program will serve as both a refresher and a source of advanced search tips and tricks.

Speakers will provide an overview of the different types of patents, explain how and why patent searches are conducted, and introduce the concepts of prior art, patent classification, and patent families. A Q&A session will provide new and experienced attendees alike with a space to ask questions and share their patent searching tips. Attendees will leave this program with knowledge of essential concepts in patent research and the confidence to take on patent research projects.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Information professionals who are new to patent searching or hesitant to take on patent research projects will benefit from a primer on patent research. More experienced patent researchers will receive a refresher on the key concepts that undergird patent searching, as well as advanced tips and tricks to strengthen their patent searching skills.

TAKEAWAYS:

1. Participants will recognize basic patent research and how to distinguish patents from other types of intellectual property.
2. Participants will employ a variety of resources to obtain help with patent information and searching.
3. Participants will differentiate between types of patent searches using free and fee-based patent databases.

SPEAKERS:

• Heather J. E Simmons, University of Georgia School of Law
• John Cannan, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law

COORDINATOR:

• Eric C. Berg, Holland & Knight LLP

AALL BODY OF KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS: Research + Analysis

CANCELLATION AND OTHER POLICIES:

No refunds will be given for any purchased AALL conference recording. This applies to non-AALL members only as the recordings are free for AALL members.

The opinions shared during this program represent the views of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). Recording, capturing, or using AI tools to duplicate, transcribe, or otherwise reproduce an AALL program in any form is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from AALL. This includes, but is not limited to audio, video, or any other content shared. By accessing an AALL recording, you agree to adhere to this policy.