| name | prior-art-search |
| title | Prior Art Search Skill |
| description | Systematic 7-step methodology for comprehensive patent prior art searches and patentability assessments using BigQuery and CPC classification |
| author | RobThePCGuy |
| author_url | https://github.com/RobThePCGuy/Claude-Patent-Creator/tree/main/skills/prior-art-search |
| license | MIT |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | general |
| practice | ip |
| language | en |
Prior Art Search Skill
Systematic 7-step methodology for comprehensive patent prior art searches and patentability assessments.
When to Use
Invoke this skill when users ask to:
- Conduct prior art search for an invention
- Assess patentability of an idea
- Perform freedom-to-operate analysis
- Find blocking patents
- Research patent landscapes
- Prepare for patent filing
What This Skill Does
Implements a professional 7-step prior art search methodology combining:
- Keyword searches across 100M+ patents (BigQuery)
- CPC classification searches
- USPTO API searches
- Timeline analysis
- Patentability assessment
- IDS (Information Disclosure Statement) preparation
The 7-Step Methodology
Step 1: Invention Definition (2-3 min)
Goal: Extract key features and define innovation scope
Process:
- Interview user about invention
- Extract core technical elements
- Identify novel features
- List all components/steps
- Define search scope
Output: Structured invention summary with key features
Questions to Ask:
- What problem does this solve?
- What are the key components/steps?
- What makes this different from existing solutions?
- What is the core innovation?
Step 2: Keyword Strategy (2-3 min)
Goal: Develop comprehensive search keyword list
Process:
- Primary keywords from invention
- Synonyms and variations
- Technical terminology
- Industry-specific terms
- Boolean search strings
Output: Keyword search strategy document
Example:
Primary: blockchain authentication
Synonyms: distributed ledger verification, cryptographic authentication
Technical: public key infrastructure, digital signature
Related: decentralized identity, trustless verification
Searches:
- "blockchain AND (authentication OR verification)"
- "(distributed ledger) AND (identity OR credential)"
- "cryptographic AND (login OR access control)"
Step 3: Broad Keyword Search (3-5 min)
Goal: Cast wide net to find relevant patents
