EPO Releases Free Patent Valuation Tool

Back in 2006, the EPO obtained a special software tool called "IPscore", which was originally developed by the Danish Patent and Trademark Office, for estimating the economic value of patents and development projects.

The EPO recently announced that IPscore is now available to the public and can be downloaded free of charge.

According to the EPO, IPscore may be used to:

• examine a company's patent portfolio;
• analyze the value of individual patents;
• align your company's patent strategy with your overall business strategy;
• make the best use of patents as a business tool; and
• identify opportunities and risks.

The tool uses 40 factors to assess each patent and visualises the input in spider and portfolio diagrams. The results of the evaluation are stored in a database.

In addition to the software, the EPO has posted a short introductory video called "Patent portfolio management with IPscore." Also, other training opportunities include an online "virtual classroom" session and a two-day training course at the EPO, which provides a thorough introduction to patent valuation and how to use IPscore. The course includes hands-on exercises to help people understand various features.

Read the EPO press release here.

Visit IPscore site here.

Download IPscore manual here.