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Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps
July 2013
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 2
Introduction
Patent analysts, in their search for relevant patents in specific domains, constantly strive to go beyond
simple keyword search. They aim to grasp the core ideas that each patent invention addresses and
understand how they are related.
Concepts are particularly useful to focus on all the relevant patents [See Ref. 1] addressing a specific
technology. In fact, the relevant patents may have been filed in different application areas as against the
one being studied. As various technologies develop, older patent inventions could find use in completely
new areas. Also, the terminologies used in disparate application areas, may be different. Hence, a keyword
search—in all probability—will not yield all the relevant patents. A search around patent concepts has a
better chance of unearthing such relevant patents.
Topic Maps in Relecura, enable the creation of visual landscapes of the key concepts and class codes within
a portfolio. They help understand the prevalence as well as proximity of several concepts and class codes.
At a practical level, understanding the relation of the various concepts and class codes aids in the
formulation of a comprehensive search strategy. At a higher level, Topic Maps help visualize technology
landscapes and compare the technology emphasis of different portfolios. Additionally, these maps can
enable organizations to determine the strengths of their individual patent portfolios as well as identify
potential areas for in-licensing or patent acquisitions.
Topic Maps help visualize the topics covered by a portfolio, the number of patents in each topic, and the
relative proximity of the topics. You can also get insights into the portfolio and organize the patents into
coherent groups or buckets to target specific licensees or buyers.
Background
The entire patent database is first processed to extract the key concepts from each patent document.
These concepts are then provided as an additional facet to search for relevant patents. We further process
the patent database to determine the relation of the various extracted concepts and class codes (US
classes, IPC and CPC codes) [Ref. 1].
The above concept and class code relationships are made available in Relecura via the Landscape feature.
In contrast, Topic Maps help visualize the connections between the concepts and class codes for individual
result sets. You can also use Topic Maps to view a comparison across multiple portfolios.
Case study
We have applied the Topic Map methodology to study patent landscape for Carbon Capture and
Sequestration technologies [Ref. 2]. Carbon dioxide is trapped in the flue gases produced in power
generation and other industrial processes such as manufacturing of cement and steel. Carbon Capture and
Sequestration is one proposed solution to reduce the emission of these greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. The process involves extraction and transportation of carbon dioxide, and its subsequent
storage in underground reservoirs.
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 3
Methodology
1. We first identify a superset of patents related to Carbon Capture and Sequestration in the main
patent geographies using appropriate keywords and IPC codes. While carrying out this search, we
select keywords and IPC codes that cover the various sub-technologies within Carbon Capture.
Further, we analyse these sets to obtain various facets of the patent landscape.
2. We remove patents with filing dates prior to 1993. We then group the resulting set by application
number.
3. We identify the top patent holders in Carbon Capture and Sequestration technologies from the
superset of relevant patents.
4. Portfolio Comparison - Initially, we create a Comparative Topic Map of patent portfolios of the
top three players, to understand their relative strengths.
5. White space analysis - We then create a Comparative Topic Map of the patent portfolio of Calera
Corporation and the superset is created. This clearly indicates the specific sub-technologies
addressed by Calera's portfolio and the ones where it lacks coverage.
6. We use Topic Maps of both concepts and CPC codes in the analysis.
Notes:
Patent counts shown are indicative. A more comprehensive search is required to confirm the
number of patent assets held by the various entities.
The analysis is solely based on published patent applications with the various patent authorities,
assignments recorded at the USPTO, and other data in the public domain.
Figure 1. Key patent holders in Carbon Capture technologies
The above chart indicates that the top patent holders in this technology include General Electric,
Mitsubishi, followed by ExxonMobil Research. The patent portfolios of these companies are further
analyzed using Comparative Topic Maps.
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 4
Compare portfolios using Topic Maps
Figure 2 displays a Comparative Topic Map featuring concepts of portfolios of the top three patent holders
in Carbon Capture technologies. The concepts displayed give an indication of the specific sub-technologies
addressed by each portfolio. And the size of each bubble indicates the total number of patents across the
portfolios. The colored sectors in each bubble denote the relative number of patents held by each
company.
Figure 2. Comparative Topic Map for concepts comparing portfolios of ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi, and General Electric
addressing Carbon Capture technologies
The graph visually represents the following information:
General Electric holds patent assets in diverse sub-technologies in the area of Carbon Capture.
Mitsubishi’s patent holdings mainly address chemical processes and heat transfer associated with
Carbon Capture (for example the use of Amines for CO2 removal, and the use of the Sorption
technique for CO2 separation).
ExxonMobil holds patents related to adsorption.
The process patents held by General Electric and ExxonMobil relate to the diffusion process for
CO2 separation.
All three companies hold patents addressing the combustion method of CO2 separation.
The patents held by General Electric and Mitsubishi relate to CO2 removal from the gases
produced by turbines and in power generation, with General Electric having a greater number of
such patents.
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 5
The emphasis of ExxonMobil’s patents are towards CO2 removal from the gases produced in oil
refining and petroleum extraction.
Figure 3 displays a Comparative Topic map using CPC codes for the same three portfolios. Just as in the
case of the Concept Topic Map, related CPC codes are grouped in closer proximity to each other indicating
greater relatedness. We can easily identify the main CPC codes representing the various sub-technologies.
These are listed in Table 1.
Figure 3. Topic Map for CPC codes comparing portfolios of ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi, and General Electric addressing
Carbon Capture technologies
Table 1. Main CPC codes connected with the various sub-domains of Carbon Capture technologies
CPC Code Description
Y02C 10/06 CO2 Capture by absorption
B01D 2257/504 Removal of CO2
B01D 53/1475 Removing carbon dioxide by absorption
Y02E 20/18 REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG] EMISSION in Integrated gasification combined cycle
B01D 53/62 Removing carbon oxides by diffusion
Y02E 20/16 REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG] EMISSION in Combined cycle power plant [CCPP], or combined cycle gas turbine
Y02C 10/08 CO2 Capture by adsorption
F02C 3/34 Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid and with recycling of part of the working fluid
Y02C 10/10 CO2 Capture by membranes or diffusion
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 6
CPC Code Description
F23J 2215/50 Preventing Carbon dioxide emissions
C01B 2203/0475 composition of CO2 as impurity in the production of hydrogen or Synthesis gas
B01D 53/1462 Removing mixtures of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide by absorption
B01D 53/02 Separation of gases or vapours by adsorption
B01D 2258/0283 Flue gases
B01D 2253/108 Zeolites used in separation treatment of gases and vapours
F23J 15/006 Layout of treatment plant for treating smoke or fumes
F02C 6/18 Using the waste heat of gas-turbine plants outside the plants themselves
B01D 53/0423 construction details of adsorbing systems for separation of gases
F05D 2260/61 Removal of CO2
C01B 2203/84 Energy production using production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
B01D 2252/204 Amines for Gas absorption
C01B 3/16 production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen using catalysts
C01B 2203/0415 purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas by absorption in liquids
B01D 53/22 Separation of gases or vapours by diffusion
F23J 2219/40 Sorption with wet devices, e.g. scrubbers
B01D 53/0462 controlling adsorption for separation of gases
B01D 53/228 Multiple stage diffusion for separation of gases or vapours
C01B 2203/0283 Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas by decomposition containing a CO-shift step
C10L 3/10 Working-up natural gas or synthetic natural gas
F02C 3/22 Gas-turbine plants characterised by the use of combustion products as the working fluid and the fuel or oxidant being gaseous at standard temperature and pressure
B01D 53/1406 multiple stage absorption for separation of gases or vapours
Y02C 10/12 CO2 Capture by rectification and condensation
Y02C 10/04 CO2 Capture by chemical separation
Find white spaces
White space analysis is carried out to identify the gaps in a company’s portfolio. Comparative Topic Maps
offer an efficient means to such an analysis.
Figure 4 displays a Comparative Topic Map of concepts for the portfolio of Carbon Capture patents held
by Calera Corporations versus the superset of all Carbon Capture patents. The Topic Map on the left (in
Figure 4) shows this comparison. The small portions in blue indicate the sub-technologies addressed by
Calera’s patent holdings. The different portfolios displayed in a Comparative Topic Map may be turned
on/off using the appropriate check-boxes. Turning off the superset of Carbon Capture patents displays a
Topic Map with only Calera patents (indicated in blue). The concepts without bubbles denote sub-
technologies not addressed by Calera’s portfolio. These are referred to as the white spaces or the gaps in
the portfolio.
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 7
Figure 4. Calera Corporation - White space analysis to identify gaps in the portfolio using concepts
We can replicate the same exercise by using CPC codes (as shown in Figure 5). The sub-technologies related
to Carbon Capture and addressed by Calera's portfolio are highlighted in blue. The picture on the left shows
the specific sub-technologies addressed by Calera's portfolio (represented by CPC codes) and the gaps
(CPC codes without bubbles) indicating areas where Calera's portfolio lacks patent coverage. The picture
on the right compares Calera's portfolio with the universe of Carbon Capture patents.
Figure 5. Calera Corporation - White space analysis to identify gaps in the portfolio using CPC codes
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 8
Table 2. Key CPC codes displayed in Figure 5 with the CPC codes addressed by Calera’s portfolio highlighted
CPC Code Description
B01D 2257/504 Removal of Co2
Y02C 10/04 CO2 Capture by chemical separation
Y02C 10/06 CO2 Capture by absorption
B01D 53/62 Removing carbon oxides by diffusion
B01D 53/1475 Removing carbon dioxide by absorption
Y02C 10/08 Co2 Capture by adsorption
Y02E 20/18 REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG] EMISSION in Integrated gasification combined cycle
Y02E 20/16 REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GASES [GHG] EMISSION in Combined cycle power plant [CCPP], or combined cycle gas turbine
C01B 2203/0475 composition of co2 as impurity in the production of hydrogen or Synthesis gas
F23J 2215/50 Preventing Carbon dioxide emissions
B01D 2258/0283 Flue gases
Y02C 10/10 CO2 Capture by membranes or diffusion
B01D 53/02 Separation of gases or vapours by adsorption
C01B 2203/0283 Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas by decomposition containing a CO-shift step
B01D 53/002 Separation of gases or vapours by condensation
Y02C 10/12 CO2 Capture by rectification and condensation
B01D 2256/22 Carbon di oxide as the main component in the product gas stream after treatment
Y02E 20/344 Oxyfuel combustion
C01B 31/20 Carbon Dioxide
Y02C 10/14 Subterranean or submarine CO2 storage
F02C 6/18 Using the waste heat of gas-turbine plants outside the plants themselves
F01K 23/10 Engine delivering power external to the plant, with exhaust fluid of one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle
C01B 2203/0415 purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas by absorption in liquids
F02C 3/28 Gas-turbine plants using a separate gas producer for gasifying the fuel before combustion
B01D 2253/102 Carbons used in separation treatment of gases and vapours
Normalization of results
The size of the bubbles displayed in the Topic Maps are related to the number of patents present in the
portfolios for each concept or class code. Subsequently, the patent count comparison either represents
absolute numbers (by default) or normalized data (by selecting the “Normalize Data” check-box).
Normalizing the patent counts is especially helpful when the sizes of portfolios being compared vary
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 9
greatly. It ensures an equitable representation of the concepts and class codes in the various displayed
portfolios, and thus makes the comparison more meaningful
Figure 6. Comparative Topic Map interface showing check-box for normalizing patent counts
Summary
Visual tools such as Topic Maps render Intellectual Property (IP) related analyses simpler and convenient.
On one hand, comparative landscapes of multiple portfolios help in understanding the specific
technologies addressed by a given patent portfolio. On the other hand, these Topic Maps can help you
understand the strengths and gaps of your individual portfolios in comparison to those of competitors.
Topic Maps aid in efficiently executing various IP related analyses and portfolio management workflows
such as landscaping, white space analysis, and patent bucketing.
To understand how we can help take your business forward, visit Relecura.com
References 1. Hariharan R., Lakshmi A., and Koomullil G.; “Technology trend analysis using concept based navigation over patent
databases”; 1st International Conference on Management of Intellectual Property and Strategy, Mumbai, Feb 2-5, 2012.
2. Carbon sequestration http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_sequestration
3. Relecura Manual - Topic Maps http://manual.relecura.com/wiki/Topic_Maps
Copyright © 2013, INDUS TechInnovations, All rights reserved.
Conduct patent portfolio analysis using comparative Topic Maps 10
About Relecura
Relecura is the flagship product of INDUS TechInnovations. It is a web-based patent and portfolio analysis
platform that uses a knowledge discovery framework to simplify IP analysis for prior art searches and IP
commercialization activities. For more details visit www.relecura.com or write to us at [email protected].
Disclaimer This document is provided for information purposes only and the contents hereof are subject to change
without notice. This document, including the information and analysis and any opinion or
recommendation, is neither legal advice nor intended for investment purposes. This document is not
warranted to be error-free, nor subject to any other warranties or conditions, whether expressed orally or
implied in law, including implied warranties and conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. INDUS TechInnovations specifically disclaims any liability with respect to this document and no
contractual obligations are formed either directly or indirectly by this document.