TECHNOLOGY ALERT PATENT SEARCH SYSTEM IN ELECTRONICS

Availability of information of current filed/granted patents globally, on CD-ROMs, Online databases, Internet, etc. and the present trend of availability of subject-specific CD-ROMs as a sub-set and the analysi s of the whole area of Patent Information and Electronics has led the authors earlier to develop a subject-specific low-cost model - Technol ogy Alert Patent Search System (TAPS) for replication and widespread u se with sufficient multiplier effects in terms of uses of patent infor mation for technology/strategic planning in various technology sectors . A typical configuration of TAPS with necessary linkage has also been proposed. In this study, we now present as to how TAPS in Electronics (to include computers, communication, software) has been operationali sed. It is now possible to carry-out an analysis of current patent inf ormation for technology monitoring, technology and market forecast, un derstand major players in the world in certain technology sub sector i n electronics, pointers to competitors' strength, etc., in electronics sector. The study also covers patents information sources of TAPS-E, and the segregation of electronics related patent classification out o f PCT and USPTO. Based on the current tchnology trends, these have bee n regrouped into variuous electronics sub-sector for dissemination of information. Broad technology directions have been presented based on the US patents issued in 1995. Current patents filed/issued by USPTO i n January '96 and EPO in November 1995/December '95 have been analysed to provide the 'Technology Alert'. Comprehensive case studies in two subject areas of contemporary interest, viz., Multimedia and Software have been presented. TAPS-E would provide suck analysis on a regular b asis in future. Patents information base is being set-up, through whic h subsequent cumulative information could be accessed in an user-frien dly manner. Some of the current technology trends and associated IPR i ssues are also touched upon. Technology Alert Patent Search System (TA PS), now operationalised for electronics, communications and computer sector, can easily be adopted to any other sector of industry where gl obal competitiveness is driven by innovation and continuous R&D inputs .