Information sheet
When an early look at the patents in your case turns up something specific and checkable, we send it as a short sheet with dates and sources. Yours to verify before deciding anything else.
Patent research for litigation teams
We research the patents asserted against your client: their priority chains, file histories and prior art.
Sample report extract
Priority map · invented example
Blender patent, claim 1, elements [a]–[d]
| Claim element | Provisionalfiled Year 1 | Parent applicationfiled Year 2 | Patent in suitfiled Year 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| [a] base housing a motor | ✓ in textp. 2 | ✓ in textPara. 0018 | ✓ in textCol. 3, l. 8 |
| [b] lid with a pressure-release valve | ~ drawings onlyFig. 3 | ✓ in textPara. 0041 | ✓ in textCol. 6, l. 22 |
| [c] sensor that stops the motor when the lid opens | × not found— | × not found— | ✓ in textCol. 9, l. 30 |
| [d] blade assembly detachable from the jar | ✓ in textp. 4 | ✓ in textPara. 0052 | ✓ in textCol. 7, l. 15 |
An invented patent, used only to show the layout. Real reports may use a similar layout, adapted to the case.
What we deliver
What a project produces depends on the patents, the case and the records available. Most work takes one of two forms.
Research report
A typical report covers:
- Summary of what was searched and what was found
- Priority map for the asserted claim elements
- Prior art located, with evidence of publication dates
- Comparison tables for the closest references, with page and figure
- Other suits found on the same patents
- Search record: databases, queries and date windows
The report sets out what the available records show. Where a search finds nothing close, the report says so and records where we looked.
How we work
We work mainly by email. Scope and fee are agreed at the start, and each case shapes the details.
You send the case
A case number or the patent numbers is usually enough to start.
We agree scope, fee and timing
A short engagement letter sets out what is covered and the expected delivery date.
We research
Typically the patent family and priority chain, the file history, then a search for prior art suited to the dates involved. The order and depth vary with the case.
You receive the report
Usually as Word and Excel files. Each finding cites its document, with page, paragraph or figure where available. Anything we could not confirm from a primary record is marked as unconfirmed.
About
Annex Research is a research and information firm focusing on patent research for litigation teams.