Patent: databases comparison

Google Patents may often be used as a starting point. It offers full-text coverage of patents from major patent offices worldwide and is helpful for quickly identifying patent classification codes. However, it does not provide advanced analytical tools.

We recommend that you take advantage of the resources below. They are grouped into two categories: patent databases available through our library subscription and patent office databases that are freely accessible to the public.

Library Subscriptions (HBS or HUKey login required)

Feagured

PatentSight
A patent analytics solution delivers high-quality analysis and deep insights into the strength and relative value of patents and portfolios. It is useful for identifying leading small players and strategic startup decisions, including R&D, trend identification, M&A, licensing, and portfolio optimization. Benefit from great analytical efficiency, profitability and fun to use.

We recommend first time users getting start with Patent Analytics with Patentsight: 101 for quick instructions. 

Other databases with subject/disciplinary focused patent data

• Cortellis
  Pharmaceutical focused and patent data related to Cortellis covered companies.

• Pitchbook
  Patent data related to Pitchbook covered companies. It provides company-level patent data emphasize portfolio review and due diligence more than dedicated patent-analytics functions like landscape mapping or citation network analytics.

• SciFinder
  Chemistry and chemical engineering focused including 15 million PatentPak PDFs.

• Web of Science
  Provides patents that are associated with articles covered in Web of Science via cited reference search. (see a quick instruction)

Commonly used patent authorities databases

• USPTO Patent Center  
  US patent data platform. Select Patent tab at the top toolbar to begin exploration.

• Global Dossier  
  A one-stop access to patent family file histories or status and examination materials from participating patent offices, helping with prior-art review, prosecution, due diligence, licensing, and litigation across countries.

• Espacenet
  By the European Patent Office, this open database allows access to European patent, patent from over 100 countries and organizations worldwide. It also offers Global Dossier access at the patent-application record level.

• Patentscope
  It is WIPO’s primary database for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications, international filings under the PCT system. It often provides rich family linkages for PCT‑member authorities although Espacenet and Patentscope have overlap in terms of coverage.