prior-art-search

# Prior Art Search Search patents and literature for prior art relevant to: **$ARGUMENTS** Adapted from `/research-lit` for patent-specific searching. ## Constants - `MAX_PATENT_RESULTS = 20` — Maximum patent documents to analyze in detail - `MAX_PAPER_RESULTS = 15` — Maximum academic papers to analyze in detail - `SEARCH_YEARS = 10` — How many years back to search - `PATENT_DATABASES = "google-patents, espacenet"` — Patent databases to search ## Inputs Read the invention description from: 1. `$ARGUMENTS` if it contains technical details 2. `patent/INVENTION_BRIEF.md` if it exists 3. `INVENTION_BRIEF.md` if it exists at project root ## Shared References Load `../shared-references/prior-art-databases.md` for search strategy templates and IPC/CPC classification guidance. ## Workflow ### Step 1: Extract Search Concepts From the invention description, identify: 1. **Core inventive concept**: The primary technical contribution (1-2 sentences) 2. **Technical problem**: What problem it solves 3. **Key technical features**: 4-6 specific technical elements that define the invention 4. **IPC/CPC classes**: Predict relevant classification codes (e.g., G06N, G06F) ### Step 2: Patent Search For EACH search concept, search via: **Google Patents** (via WebSearch): ``` WebSearch: "site:patents.google.com [keywords]" WebSearch: "[keywords] patent" ``` - Try primary keywords + technical problem keywords - Search in English regardless of target jurisdiction - For CN inventions, also search Chinese keywords via WebSearch **Espacenet** (via WebFetch): - WebFetch worldwide.espacenet.com/search results for key queries - Search by predicted IPC/CPC classes **Assignee/Inventor Search**: - If known companies/universities work in this area, search their patent portfolios - WebSearch: "[assignee name] patent [technical area]" For each potentially relevant patent found: - WebFetch the patent page to extract: title, abstract, representative claims, filing date, assignee, current status - Record IPC/CPC classification codes ### Step 3: Academic Literature Search Search the same concepts in academic databases: 1. **Google Scholar** (via WebSearch): `WebSearch "[keywords] site:scholar.google.com"` 2. **arXiv** (via `/arxiv` if available, or WebSearch): Search for preprints 3. **Semantic Scholar** (via `/semantic-scholar` if API key set, or WebSearch) For each relevant paper found: - Extract title, authors, venue, year, key contribution ### Step 4: Classification and Analysis For each reference found, assess: 1. **Relevance**: How closely does it relate to the invention? 2. **Overlap Risk**: Does it disclose the same or similar technical solution? - HIGH: Anticipates one or more claim elements - MEDIUM: Discloses a related but different approach - LOW: Same general field, different approach 3. **Relationship**: Is it anticipating, relevant, or merely background? Organize results by IPC/CPC classification to see the technical landscape. ### Step 5: Freedom-to-Operate Assessment (Preliminary) Based on the search results: - Identify patents with claims that potentially cover the invention - Note any expired patents (public domain) - Flag areas where claim scope overlap is significant **Disclaimer**: This is a preliminary assessment only. A professional freedom-to-operate analysis by a patent attorney is recommended before filing. ### Step 6: Output Write `patent/PRIOR_ART_REPORT.md` with: ```markdown ## Prior Art Search Report ### Invention Summary [1-2 sentence description of the searched invention] ### Search Strategy - Keywords used: [...] - IPC/CPC classes searched: [...] - Databases searched: Google Patents, Espacenet, Google Scholar, arXiv - Date range: [year] to present ### Patent References Found | # | Patent No. | Title | Date | Assignee | IPC/CPC | Key Teaching | Overlap Risk | |---|-----------|-------|------|----------|---------|-------------|-------------| | 1 | CN... / US... | [title] | [date] | [assignee] | [codes] | [2-3 sentences] | HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW | ### Non-Patent Literature Found | # | Reference | Title | Authors/Venue | Year | Key Contribution | Relevance | |---|-----------|-------|--------------|------|-----------------|-----------| | 1 | [DOI/link] | [title] | [authors] | [year] | [1-2 sentences] | HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW | ### Prior Art Landscape [Organized by technical approach or IPC class, not just chronological] ### Freedom-to-Operate Preliminary Assessment [Which existing patents might block the invention? What is the risk level?] ### Recommendations - Suggested claim scope adjustments based on prior art - Areas where novelty appears strongest - References to watch during prosecution ``` ## Key Rules - Never fabricate patent numbers or citations. Mark uncertain references with `[VERIFY]`. - Search in English AND the target jurisdiction language (Chinese for CN). - Patent prior art includes everything published before the priority date, not just patents. - Academic papers are valid prior art for both novelty and inventive step. - Include expired patents -- they are public domain but still relevant for novelty.