Like most things, the innovation environment of 20 years ago was different than today. To help you understand the innovation climate, visualize the number of utility patents expiring this month, and see how many applications were not awarded patents we offer the following graphs. The first two visuals represent patented innovations and applications for two months. When patent awards match applications, the award rate is 100%. In fields where the rate of innovation is very high (competition) or very low (incremental improvements) the patent success rate can be lower. The charts are intended to give you an idea of the successful innovation rates (awarded patents per month), research and development rates (number of patents applied for), and the patent success rate (patents/applications) in each of the USPC Classes.
If you need these types of graphs for a particular set of months or years please click here
The last chart highlights the differences between the two graphs above. Each point in this final graph matches a point from the June, 2004 graph above.
The lines to each point terminate at the location of the point in the May, 2004 graph above. Each line illustrates the amount of change between the two months. Longer lines illustrate larger change between the months. The slope of the lines helps one determine whether the change is a result of an increase or decrease in applications (horizontal), patents (vertical), or both.
This graph shows trends across patent classes. When all or most of the lines are in the same general direction, there is a macro trend affecting the innovation ecosystem.
If you need these types of graphs for a particular set on months or years please click here