Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
日本語
In an era where innovation is the lifeline of business survival, patent analytics is no longer merely a legal support activity—it has become a strategic tool for shaping and accelerating research and development (R&D) effectively and cost-efficiently.
Actual necessity and the importance of patent analytics
The growing interest in patent analytics stems from the practical needs of both domestic and international enterprises. Proactive access to patent information enables research teams not only to identify technological trends and target markets but also to assess project feasibility early on, minimizing legal risks and unnecessary development costs.
Changing mindsets on when to conduct patent analytics
Many businesses still tend to use patent analytics only at the final stages of R&D—once a technical solution has been defined—to assess the potential for protection or infringement risks. However, today’s strategic approach is to integrate patent analytics from the outset of the R&D process. This integration helps shape technical directions, identify which technologies need to be developed in-house, and determine which existing solutions can be leveraged.
Role of patent analytics through each R&D phases
Broadly, the R&D structure can be divided into four phases: establishment, definition, development, and pre-launch.
Establishment
In the establishment phase, patent analytics functions as a strategic compass, helping businesses identify markets, uncover existing protected technologies, and spot innovation gaps.
Definition & Development
During the definition and development stages, understanding the content and scope of existing patents allows research teams to develop new technical solutions without infringing on others’ intellectual property rights.
Pre-launch
In the pre-launch phase, patent analytics becomes a risk assessment tool, supporting decisions related to filing patent in Vietnam, product communication, and commercialization readiness.
Notable case: Patent Analytics to boost R&D
A notable case shared at the “Patent Analytics To Boost R&D” seminar illustrates the impact of patent analytics on a company’s development direction: a project to create a gaming keyboard with an APM (Actions Per Minute) display feature. This creative concept was proposed by a company targeting the gaming community.
By applying patent analytics early, the research team quickly identified three competitors—Razer, Guan, and Rapoo—offering similar products. They then searched for patents using keywords like “keyboard” and “APM” in titles, descriptions, and abstracts.
The results helped them identify existing technical solutions, current protection levels, and potential areas of innovation to differentiate their product. Here, patent analytics served not only as a risk alert tool but also as a source of new development inspiration.
Notable case: CTB technology research in the electric vehicle industry
Another example showcasing the depth and breadth of patent analytics in practice is a project on CTB (Cell-to-Body) technology in the electric vehicle industry. This technology integrates batteries directly into the car body to optimize space and enhance safety.
The company undertaking the project had prior experience with traditional fuel vehicles and was transitioning into electric vehicles. Though it did not manufacture batteries, it sought to acquire CTB integration technology. To identify a viable path, the analysis team reviewed Vietnam patent in the field and discovered at least three distinct technological approaches emerging in China, notably from BYD and Tesla, each with its own design philosophy.
The challenge in this case was that many patents related to system technologies did not fit neatly into traditional technical classifications. Therefore, the expert team proposed a novel approach: classifying patents by technical outcome rather than technical structure.
Benefits from patent analytics through timelines
This method allowed them to track technological trajectories based on end goals—such as improving crash safety—then trace backward to solutions like structural designs or new materials to achieve those goals. The patent analysis system was further enhanced with a color-coded summary chart organized by time, dividing technological directions into three categories: mature, mainstream, and emerging. This data helped the company identify its current position within the industry and choose a suitable R&D strategy.
Conclusion: Patent Analytics – Strategic Tool in R&D
These real-world scenarios demonstrate that patent analytics offers far more value than just evaluating legal protection potential. It is a decision-support tool applicable throughout all stages of R&D—from development orientation and technology selection to technical solution design and protection or commercialization strategy. Proactively integrating patent analytics into R&D processes not only boosts innovation efficiency but also builds long-term competitive advantages in the technology era.
ASL LAW’s Patent Analytics Services – A Comprehensive Solution for Businesses
With hands-on experience advising both domestic and international enterprises, ASL LAW offers in-depth and diverse patent analytics services that support businesses at every stage of the research and development (R&D) process. Our services go beyond assessing patentability — we work alongside our clients to optimize technology strategies and manage legal risks.
Our patent analytics services include:
- Technology trend analysis and competitor monitoring: Helping businesses position their technology, identify innovation gaps, and uncover development opportunities.
- Patentability assessment and infringement risk analysis: Assisting businesses in evaluating novelty and identifying potential intellectual property risks.
- Technical depth and commercialization potential analysis: Providing a comprehensive perspective for selecting the most effective R&D paths.
- Patent strategy development and portfolio building: Supporting businesses in planning the protection and commercialization of intellectual property assets.
- Patent analysis based on technical performance: Tailored to complex technology sectors, helping businesses stay ahead of emerging trends in the global market.
ASL LAW takes pride in its team of experienced lawyers, patent professionals, and engineers who are ready to deliver tailor-made solutions aligned with the unique needs of each client — from startups and SMEs to large corporations.
If your business is looking for a trusted partner in structured patent analysis, ASL LAW is committed to delivering value beyond expectations, helping you optimize your R&D strategy and build a lasting competitive advantage.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to [email protected].
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Intellectual Property Services. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
