How does patent terminology change over time?

Patents are a potentially rich source of information on new technology. The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving is based on a manual analysis of historical patent information to identify generic inventive principles and technology trends. Techniques within the area of Artificial Intelligence, such as natural language processing and machine learning, offer the possibility of assisting in the analysis of patent information.

Our work

A particular question raised by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and currently under consideration, concerns tracking the birth and evolution of new terminology in different patent classifications. New terminology might be due to variations in technology or variations in names for the same technology, or perhaps for some other reason.

What’s the data science?

Relevant data science techniques include natural language processing and machine learning.

What’s the impact?

The general subject may be of interest to the patent community, industry, civil government, and individuals.

Our partners

This is part of ongoing discussion with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

If you’re interested in learning more about this project or would like to get involved then you can get in touch via email or Twitter.

Project team