Apparatus for and method of searching and organizing intellectual property information utilizing a field-of-search

摘要

An apparatus and method for searching and organizing intellectual property (IP) is provided for formulating and facilitating searches for intellectual property, and organizing results of such searches. For example, a search and organization server is provided with modules) to create and process search queries. A class search module optionally provides on-line access to classification information and facilitates searching of intellectual property using select classifications. An IP thesaurus module optionally develops a list of elements (e.g., words, textual phrases, concepts, representations, numbers, identifications, pictures, graphics, features, etc.) found in select intellectual property information (e.g., groupings of patents). Optionally, the list of elements is used, e.g., as a search tool to refine search queries or criteria. A field-of-search module creates a field-of-search based on search information identified from select intellectual property information. Optional modules (e.g., search engine, workspace module, alert generator, report generator, etc.) are provided.