Free v. Fee Based Databases

Alicia Griffin Mills presented a paper at the PIUG 2008 Annual Conference about “Free v. Fee Based Databases.”

The paper discussed free and fee based databases for patent research. Database costs for conducting patent research can range from free to prohibitively expensive. For attorneys working at larger law firms, the fee based databases are likely readily available. However, when working with clients who are cost sensitive, working at a smaller firm, working on a pro bono case, or you are a solo practioner, you might consider the value of free databases.

The paper evaluated the content, searchability, and functionality of both the free and the fee based databases. It specifically laid out the advantages and disadvantages of these databases, when research is best conducted in fee based databases, and when you can find the results that you need in free based databases.

The PIUG 2008 Annual Conference featured world-renowned experts on patent information for technology research and planning, for legal organizations, and for overall corporate IP management (technology licensing and related activities).

If you have questions on patent law, please feel free contact any member of our team.