Patent Search CN/US

Overview

Plan and execute a preliminary patent search for CN/US, then summarize novelty risks and gaps with a traceable search log.

Workflow

1) Scope the invention

• Extract the core technical problem, steps, and outputs.
• List essential features vs. optional features.
• Capture synonyms in EN + CN (translate key terms both ways).
• Define the jurisdiction scope (CN, US, and optionally WIPO/EPO) and time range.

2) Build search queries

• Start with 3-5 keyword clusters (problem, method, system, output, domain).
• Add technical terms, abbreviations, and synonyms; include Chinese equivalents when searching CN.
• If available, map to IPC/CPC classes and include them as filters.
• Add assignee/inventor filters only when narrowing is needed.

3) Run searches in public databases

• Use at least one CN database and one US database.
• Include Google Patents as a cross-jurisdiction sweep.
• Optionally use WIPO PATENTSCOPE or Espacenet for broader coverage.
• Reference site list: references/patent-search-sites.md.

4) Triage and record results

• Scan titles/abstracts; keep candidates that overlap with the essential features.
• Open claims for the top hits; record claim elements that match or differ.
• Keep a log with: database, query, filters, date, and top hits.

5) Assess novelty risk

• For each candidate, mark: full match / partial match / non-match.
• Identify distinguishing features (potential novelty points).
• Call out risky overlaps and missing evidence (gaps).

6) Produce a preliminary novelty search report

• Include: scope, queries, databases, key hits, and novelty assessment.
• State limitations (public sources only, no paid databases, time constraints).

Output checklist

• Search scope and assumptions
• Keyword clusters (EN/CN)
• Databases used and date
• Query strings and filters
• Top results summary (title, year, link)
• Novelty assessment and risk notes

Resources

• references/patent-search-sites.md
• references/open-paper-sites.md