Analysis of Patent Examination Effort Distribution based on the Queuing Theory

Abstract

In this paper, we present a mathematical model based on the queuing theory that simulates the examination process in a patent office, including its relation with the applicants. Through this statistical model, this study aims at evaluating the examination ef- fort distribution among all examination stages, in order to establish the optimal examination condition, which means that a patent application would be granted, denied or withdrawn in the shortest period of time and the backlog of patent offices would be re- duced, meeting the society demand in a more efficient way. This study also aims at evaluating the performance of a specific patent examiner based on the optimal condition.