Why Choose this Course?

  • Built by Patent Search Experts: Created by PatWorld’s experienced searchers, this course gives you a practical introduction to patentability searching using real-world methods and examples.

  • Boost Your Professional Skills: Learn how to design effective search strategies and perform structured, reliable patent searches.

  • Real Hands-On Experience with Espacenet: Modules include guided activities using Espacenet—the European Patent Office’s free patent database—so you can immediately apply what you learn.

  • Grow Professionally: Build your toolkit with practical strategies for search construction, analysis, and reporting — helping you become a more capable and confident IP professional.

  • Learn on Your Schedule: With 24/7 online access, you can study at your own pace, whenever it suits you.

  • Earn a Digital Certificate: Receive a digital certificate upon successful completion to showcase your new skills.

  • CIPA Members: If you are a CIPA member, you can access this course free of charge and claim CPD. Please contact us at [email protected] for your direct access link.

Reviews

Following the relaunch of our Introduction to Patent Searching course, learners are already sharing their feedback. Here’s what a participant said as they build confidence in the fundamentals of patent searching.

5 star rating

Really good!

Isabel Leitch

I found this course very useful. As someone who is new to patents and searching, the content was easy to follow and the course has given me a much better understanding of the different types of patent searches and how to conduct them.

I found this course very useful. As someone who is new to patents and searching, the content was easy to follow and the course has given me a much better understanding of the different types of patent searches and how to conduct them.

Read Less

Course Outline

    1. Welcome

    2. Course Format

    3. Course Journal - Self-Assessment of Skills

    4. Course Handbook

    5. Template Document

    6. Come say hello!

    1. Introduction

    2. Video Overview

    3. (Optional) Lesson 1: What is a Patent?

    4. (Optional) Lesson 2: Understanding Patent Families

    5. Lesson 3: What is a Patent Search?

    6. Lesson 4: Detailed Exploration of Patent Searches Across the Product Life Cycle (Types of Patent Searches)

    7. Lesson 5: Course Focus

    8. Scenario

    9. Answer

    10. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Video Overview

    3. Lesson 1: What is a Patentability Search?

    4. Lesson 2: How to Search for Patentability

    5. Scenario

    6. Answer

    7. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Video Overview

    3. Lesson 1: Understanding Search Scope

    4. Lesson 2: Refining The Search Scope

    5. Scenario

    6. Answer

    7. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Video Overview

    3. Lesson 1: Gathering Keywords

    4. Lesson 2: Truncation

    5. Lesson 3: Phrase Searching

    6. Lesson4: Stemming

    7. Lesson 5: Boolean and Proximity Operators

    8. Scenario

    9. Answer

    10. Quiz

    1. Introduction

    2. Lesson 1: Commercial and Non-Commercial Databases

    3. Lesson 2: Introduction To Espacenet

    4. Video: Espacenet Advanced Search

    5. Lesson 3: Running Your Search String In Espacenet

    6. Lesson 4: Refining Your Search String In Espacenet

    7. Lesson 5: Building an Effective Search String

    8. Scenario

    9. Answers

    10. Quiz

What's Included?

  • 81 lessons
  • Patentability Searching
  • Advanced Searching Techniques
  • Classification, Analysis & Risk

The Introduction to Patent Searching Course Is Now Live!

Our newly updated course is open for enrolment — ready when you are. Build your confidence in patent searching with flexible, self-paced lessons you can complete in your own time, wherever you’re working. Start your learning journey today and secure your place now.

ENROL NOW!

FAQ

  • Who are PatWorld?

    We are a global intellectual property research services company specialising in providing patent, design, and trademark research services. We offer in-depth IP searching and portfolio monitoring utilising 200+ years of combined professional experience. Our team of seasoned professionals has been trained to the highest standards internally, and now, we’re opening up our expertise to you. With countless 5-star reviews from our patent searching clients, you can trust the quality and depth of the knowledge we’re offering.

  • Why enrol on this course?

    Patent searching is a critical skill for patent attorneys, IP Managers, Patent Analysts, Technology Transfer professionals, Universities, and Research Institutes, providing the foundation for informed decision-making and strategic intellectual property management. This course is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to conduct effective patent searches, interpret results, and deliver impactful reports. Participants not only gain access to high-quality training but also benefit from learning directly from industry experts whose work has been consistently acclaimed by clients worldwide.

  • Who should enrol on this course?

    Ideal for Patent Attorneys, IP Managers, Patent Analysts, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation Professionals, and those working in universities or research environments. However, the course is open to anyone curious about patents or looking to build foundational patent-searching skills.

  • How does the Course Work?

    1. Enrol instantly 2. Learn at your own pace 3. Complete practical project and receive your certificate

  • How do I enrol?

    Just click on the 'Start Learning Today' or 'Enrol now' buttons, and complete the registration and order form. You can progress through the course at your own time and pace.

  • I'm an individual member of CIPA. How do I get free access to this course?

    You will have been provided a promotional code. You can use this at the checkout to receive free access to this course. Alternatively, email [email protected] for further details.

Testimonials

Here's what PatWorld clients say about our patent searching expertise:

“PatWorld is without question our 'go to' firm for patent research. The team is professional, friendly, and extremely responsive… Their reports present complex searches in a clear and polished way that is immediately presentable to clients. A reliable partner that consistently impresses.”

““An efficient, quick, and detailed searching service, would highly recommend!””

““PatWorld provides a great service, they are very responsive and work hard with you to ensure that you get what you need. I highly recommend them.””