Patently clear sequencing

Patents provide a unique and vast library of technical and research information that can help companies ensure their own research is unique, as well as following competitors' activities, avoiding patent infringements and highlighting potential infringements of their company's own products.

However, while much of the information contained within patents is not published elsewhere, the volume can be overwhelming. More than 200,000 patents are filed each year in the US, while the European patent office files around 80,000 patents a year.

Derwent Information, a leading provider of patent and scientific information, has made this information more easily accessible with comprehensive coverage of chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology patents, conference proceedings and research journals. Its World patent Index can be used for monitoring competitor activity, saving r&d resources, keeping up-to-date with trends, generating new revenue sources and managing patent portfolios.

One index is the world's largest database of genetic sequences from patents, which is available via an easy, secure web-based interface at www.derwent-geneseq.com.

Genetic sequences from patents are an essential source of information for both research and commercial intelligence purposes. Geneseq claims to have an unrivalled source of sequence information, allowing companies to monitor competitors' patented nucleic acid and amino acid sequences. As well as saving time spent searching through patents for the relevant information, the Geneseq FASTAlert option allows users to search on sequences within two weeks of patent publication.