Japanese Patent Search Techniques Helped Challenge the Novelty of an Automotive Patent
Value Delivered
The prior art found across various automotive mechanical systems helped to build a strong case. It reduced the potential financial liabilities from the lawsuit and strengthened the legal position to resolve the dispute favorably.
Problems Solved
Finding prior art for the use of virtual detents to control systems like climate control, multimedia, and navigation within automobiles, without traditional mechanical knobs or switches, was challenging. Despite extensive patent and literature searches, no documents specifically addressed this technology.
Search efforts faced numerous dead ends due to scattered information. Existing literature either focused on traditional mechanical controls or didn’t cover the unique application of virtual detents for multiple systems. Fragmented sources of information further complicated the search.
After numerous exploratory attempts and revisits, the necessary references remained elusive. Expanding the search to include specific technological domains and classifications became essential to uncover relevant prior art.
Solution Offered
The focus shifted towards analyzing potential assignees in the relevant technological domain, particularly those of Japanese origin. This expanded search included specific Japanese classifications, broadening the scope to discover previously overlooked sources.
By examining patents and documents under these specific classifications, relevant prior art was identified that demonstrated the use of virtual detents across various automotive systems.
This strategic adjustment enabled the identification of significant examples that illustrated the application of virtual detents in a manner closely aligned with the required functionalities.
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Researchers Driving Success of the Patent Invalidity Project
Senior Research Analyst at GreyB
Experience in Automobiles, Manufacturing Machines, Brakes, Electronic-cigarettes, Power Steering, Aircraft interiors, Mechanical components of Medical Devices, Consumer Electronics, ATVs, Renewable Energy etc.
Invalidation Searches - 90+
Strength Check - 35+
Patentability Search - 60+
Freedom to Operate - 50+
Design Search - 25+
Landscape - 10+
Assistant Vice President, GreyB
Experience in Telecom, Semicon, Audio & Video Coding, Consumer Electronics, CELP, MPEG, Carrier Aggregation
Invalidation Searches (450+)
Freedom to Operate Searches (120+)
Strength Check (100+)
Patentability Search (80+)
State of the Art Search (15+)
Landscape Analysis (5+)
Infringement Searches (30+)
