White space analysis is carried out to identify gaps in your existing technology space or to expand into new technology areas. These gaps can open up ways to new inventions to strengthen your portfolio or provide opportunities to block others from using the existing technology.
Both activities upgrade your portfolio, give you a competitive advantage and improve your company’s potential.
Why should you conduct white space analysis?
Two main reasons that drive users to carry out a white space analysis include:
- Expansion into new technology areas — Finding new areas for innovation and exclusivity that help enhance the existing technology-patent portfolio
- Identify gaps in your existing technology space — Internally focused mapping includes looking at your existing technology space and mapping your current IP against a Problem-vs-Solutions Matrix. The problems and solutions are specific to the technology and multiple vantage points can be taken.
Who uses white space analysis?
This type of analysis can benefit both — those who already have an IP portfolio or those who are working on building an IP portfolio around their idea.
Look within your business to identify technology areas to pursue
Look at your company and market data such as currently available products to identify any areas containing potential opportunities. By comparing the products, services already used by the customer and other products and services the company can provide, you can find areas where opportunities can be explored.
Analysis of the shortlisted technology areas
For the chosen area (for e.g. material/technology/application area of 3D printing) you will need expert advice to decide if it makes business sense in doing a white space analysis within them. Post that, analyze the area by trying to find answers to questions like- what are the different market areas, what are the top challenges in the market, what are the current product or technologies that address the challenges, what technologies are our strengths, what are current and future markets for the technology etc.
Do a patent landscape search against the chosen perspective (top-level category)
Once your area of research is clear and top-level categories are clear, create a broad search strategy including all possible aspects. Carry out a broad search to include all associated technologies that have supportive applications to your business. Create search query based on all possible keywords related to the categories.
Read more about the article to find out how to use white space analysis to identify potential opportunities before your competitors.
