Technology intelligence: New challenges from patent information

Abstract

Patent information can be used for strategic planning purposes. Conventional patent analysis has commonly focused on factual information and, in particular, on information extraction, visualization and assessment techniques. Less scholarly attention has been devoted to the strategic role of an integrated system of patent intelligence in supporting firm's decision-making. Since patents can be strategically used by firms to prevent competitors to strengthen their competitive advantage, patent information may be distort or insufficient. We accommodate the "dark side" of firms patenting by underlining pros and cons of patent information. We argue that technology intelligence should take into account such intrinsic limits of patent information.