A patent map is a graphical model of patent visualisation

Patent visualisation

Patent visualisation is an application of information visualisation. Patents number has been increasing , thus forcing companies to consider intellectual property as a part of their strategy....

. This practice "enables companies to identify the patents in a particular technology space, verify the characteristics of these patents, and ... identify the relationships among them, to see if there are any zones of infringement

Patent infringement

Patent infringement is the commission of a prohibited act with respect to a patented invention without permission from the patent holder. Permission may typically be granted in the form of a license. The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or...

." Patent mapping is also referred to as patent landscaping.

External links and further reading

• Patent statistics and patent mapping FAQ at the European Patent Office
  European Patent Office
  The European Patent Office is one of the two organs of the European Patent Organisation , the other being the Administrative Council. The EPO acts as executive body for the Organisation while the Administrative Council acts as its supervisory body as well as, to a limited extent, its legislative...
  
  
• Guide Book for Practical Use of "Patent Map for Each Technology Field", Invention Research Institute, Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation, Japan Patent Office, Asia-Pacific Industrial Property Center, JIII (2000)