---
title: ToolRouter — Workflow
description: A multi-tool workflow showing how to combine ToolRouter tools for a complex task.
url: https://toolrouter.com/workflows/patent-and-ip-research
---
# Patent and IP Research

Conduct patent and intellectual property research by searching technical literature, patent databases, and synthesizing an IP landscape analysis.

This workflow helps R&D teams, patent attorneys, and innovation strategists map the intellectual property landscape around a technology area. It starts with academic literature to establish the scientific foundation, then searches patent databases for existing IP filings.

The deep research step synthesizes both streams into a strategic IP landscape analysis, identifying patent clusters, key assignees, technology white spaces, and filing trends. This enables informed decisions about patent strategy, R&D investment, and freedom-to-operate assessments.

**Tools:** academic-research, web-search, deep-research
**Category:** data

## Steps

### 1. Technical Literature Search

Search academic papers and technical publications to understand the state of the art and prior work in the technology area.

- **Tool:** academic-research
- **Skill:** search_papers
- **Input:** Technical keywords and research area for the patent investigation
- **Output:** Relevant academic papers with abstracts covering the technology landscape

### 2. Patent Database Search

Search patent databases to identify existing patents, patent applications, and IP filings related to the technology.

- **Tool:** web-search
- **Skill:** patent_search
- **Input:** Patent-related search queries derived from technical literature findings
- **Output:** Patent search results with patent numbers, titles, assignees, and filing dates

### 3. IP Landscape Analysis

Synthesize academic and patent data into a comprehensive IP landscape analysis identifying white spaces, key assignees, and filing trends.

- **Tool:** deep-research
- **Skill:** research
- **Input:** Combined academic paper and patent search results
- **Output:** IP landscape report with patent clusters, key players, white spaces, and strategic insights

## Benefits

- Covers both academic literature and patent databases
- Identifies IP white spaces for strategic positioning
- Maps key patent holders and technology clusters
- Supports freedom-to-operate and patentability assessments
