Patent Research A research-focused patent skill (not legal filing). Covers prior-art search, IP landscape mapping, claim analysis, freedom-to-operate, and patentability. For formal patent prosecution, work with a licensed patent attorney. When to use this skill - Conducting a prior-art search before filing a provisional patent - Mapping the IP landscape in a technology area - Evaluating the patentability of an invention - Assessing freedom-to-operate before launching a product - Tracking competitive patent activity in a market - Preparing a patent strategy for a startup or R&D group Inputs th…