Up to 90 percent of the information we have on the current state of technology can be found in patent literature, especially in long-established sciences and disciplines such as mechanical engineering or chemistry. You can avoid costly double inventions by conducting patent research. Not only that, but you can enrich your own knowledge by examining the ideas and potential solutions of other inventors and thus establish a solid foundation before embarking on your research. Carrying out professional research is often useful for your own patent application, since you learn about the state of technology around the world and can better assess the preconditions for patenting, especially with regard to innovation.

You also gain an overview of your potential market and prospective licensees or competitors through research.