What Is IP Informatics?

Informatics describes how we process data.

Being able to store large volumes of information in a manner which allows this information to be discoverable, later, through search or other means, is at the heart of informatics. IP informatics is primarily concerned with how we find information regarding patents, trademarks and copyrights associated with intellectual property, their creators/inventors and dates that claims were filed.

Informatics

Informatics itself is a relatively new field. Its study has grown tremendously in conjunction with technology, and is often partnered with computer and library science programs in colleges and universities. Informatics works to understand how data and information is used, and designs systems that allow data and information to be found by individuals, organizations and businesses. Indiana University's Department of Informatics explains that informatics professionals "...designs [computer programs, applications and] solutions in context, and takes into account the social, cultural and organizational settings in which computing and information technology will be used."

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (IP) is a kind of invention; however, IP inventions can be more contentious to define than physical inventions, as IP inventions consist of ideas, creative works and symbols or designs. IP inventions can be protected in the same manner as physical inventions, by filing patents, trademarks or copyright papers through the office of patent or property management in the inventor's country of residence. The exact process and type of protection offered each IP inventor differs by type of work and country.

IP Informatics

IP informatics involves how all the information about current and past IP inventions, the type of protection filed and the date of filing is stored -- and able to be later accessed. Having this type of information organized in a way that makes it discoverable is essential in a number of situations, including when a potential creator needs to do due diligence to ensure the IP is original, or by legal representatives of an IP creator who need to demonstrate when IP rights have been violated.

Future Trends

Future trends are being heavily shaped by how people search the Internet for information. As we become accustomed to using Boolean and natural language searches to find information and data stored in a database, IP informatics professionals have begun designing data an information-storing schemas that mimic these search techniques and can handle the increasing number of IP filings that occur across the world.

References

• United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office: What Is Patent Informatics?
• Indiana University: Informatics Defined
• United States Patent and Trademark Office: What is Intellectual Property?
• Free Software Foundation; "Did You Say "Intellectual Property"? It's a Seductive Mirage"; Richard M. Stallman
• Patent Lends: The Status Of IP Informatics And The Need For Full Text Searching

Resources

• Intellogist Patent Informatics