PatBase

Minesoft and RWS Group have introduced new legal status data functionality to PatBase. The new Legal Status Timeline is said to give searchers a fresh way to obtain an overview of the legal events that have occurred during the lifetime of a patent application. A colour-coded timeline helps users see events over time, with a legend provided for quick reference.

Status information is also available for EP (European) designated states once the European patent has granted. This is said to represent a distinct advantage to PatBase users since this information is not readily available on other patent search platforms.
                             
To improve search efficiency, the PatBase data team has now completed a project to create Legal Event Groupings. Similar events (for example Lapsed/Expired/Ceased/Dead) are grouped together and can now be searched simultaneously from the Legal Status search form, saving valuable time.