# Triangle IP Helpdesk: All Articles > Plain text versions of the articles on Triangle IP Helpdesk. This file holds every published article in full. The index is at https://help.triangleip.com/llms.txt --- # Admin Panel Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/admin-panel/ Category: Admin Panel Last updated: 2021-12-20 The Admin Panel is an interface that is visible only to an admin of a portfolio. This panel can be used for specific functions such as customizing idea form, creating additional portfolios, updating prosecutor charges for your ideas, making payments to the paid tier of the TIP tool and many more. The Admin Panel can be accessed by clicking on the drop down menu of your profile in the TIP tool account. More details on each of the features can be found below: **[Customize Idea Form](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/customizing-an-idea-form.txt)** **Create Portfolio** If you are an admin of a portfolio, you also have the ability to create additional portfolios. To create additional portfolios, click on the ‘Create Portfolio’ tab. Enter details such as portfolio name, admin, manager, and/or inventor details. Click on Save. Hit Refresh. The new portfolio will now start showing in the drop down of your name under the ‘Portfolio’ list. **Permissions** This tab provides details of the actions that can be performed by the different user roles as defined by the TIP tool. **Storage** This tab provides the storage limit assigned to your portfolio and the percentage used. **[Nurturing](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/nurturing-updating-email-frequency.txt)** **Subscription** The TIP Tool provides a paid as well as a free version with different access and functionalities. The admin can subscribe to the Paid version to the TIP tool through this interface. **Cost Details** This tab contains details of the Government cost and prosecutor charges that are considered by the tool to provide cost predictions. The government charges are fixed in the tool as it is consistent with the USPTO charges. An admin can update the entity size for their enterprise. As the USPTO cost varies as per the entity size, the corresponding government cost will update in the tool. An admin can also update the prosecutor charges as per their agreement with the patent counsel. To edit the entity size and the prosecutor charges, click on edit. The various categories for the prosecutor charges are listed along with their details. The admin can update the charges and click on update. The cost prediction for ALL ideas in the tool will be updated accordingly. **Merging Preference** This tab helps the admin of the account set the merging preference of ideas in the Idea Manager. That is, it gives the ability to the admin of the portfolio to allow one to one mapping of ideas to filings or many to one mapping of ideas and filings (in case of omnibus applications). --- # How to Use Tags in the TIP Tool™ to Organize Your Ideas? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-tags-in-the-tip-tool-to-organize-your-ideas/ Category: Admin Panel, Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-07-04 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDQGbjHewmE **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. “Assume you have 5,000 ideas in your IP pipeline...” Some of them belong to the company. Some were developed with external collaborators like a university or other enterprise. Others fall under different product lines, technology or departments. Now imagine trying to sort, prioritize, or budget for all those ideas - without any way to group them. Taxing, right? That’s where [tags](https://triangleip.com/tip-tool-terminology/) come in. In the TIP Tool™, tags are your way to **organize innovation at scale**. They help you filter, search, and segment ideas based on whatever makes the most sense for your team - from product lines and technology areas to legal ownership and filing deadlines. ## Why Use Tags? Tags allow you to: - Group ideas by **project**, **team**, **product line**, or **technology** - Instantly **filter** and **sort** large portfolios - Run faster **IP budget planning** and **quarterly reviews** - Align internal teams using consistent labels 🎯 Whether you're tracking 15 ideas or 5,000 — tags make it easier to manage innovation at scale. ## Types of Tags in TIP Tool™ There are two types of tags in TIP Tool™ - each with a unique role. - **Hard Tags** - Predefined and managed by the admin. These tags are available for users to select when tagging ideas or applications, ensuring consistency across the organization. Eg., Product Line A, Region: EMEA, Mobile Team - **Soft Tags** - Created by users directly within the idea or application form. These tags offer flexibility, allowing teams to label ideas freely as needed. Eg., AI, Quick Win, Q4 Filing, Urgent ## How to Add a Tag to an Invention Disclosure/Idea Form 1. While filling out or editing the **Idea Form**, scroll to the **Tags** field. 2. Start typing: - If the tag exists, select it from the dropdown. - If it doesn’t exist, press **Enter** to create a new tag. Note: All tags are visible across the organization to ensure collaboration and consistency. ### Admin Panel: Managing Hard Tags If you're an admin, you can define structured tags for your team. 1. Go to **Admin Panel → Tags** 2. Click **“Add Tag”** 3. Set the name, tag type and portfolios where you want to see and use the tags. 4. Tags created here will appear as **hard tags** in the idea form dropdown ## Best Practices for Using Tags - **Be consistent** Avoid using “AI” in one idea and “Artificial Intelligence” in another. Decide on a naming standard. - **Keep it meaningful** Use tags that reflect how you want to filter or group ideas - like product categories, target markets, or project codenames. - **Combine with scoring** Use tags alongside **value** and **patentability scores** to prioritize what to draft, file, or fast-track. - **Use tags to reflect ownership** For example: “Company-Owned”, “University IP”, “Joint Development” - helps during licensing or transfer reviews. ## Coming Soon: Tags Tutorial Video We’re working on a short video walkthrough showing how to: - Filter ideas using tag combinations - Use tags for IP budget planning Until then, feel free to explore the Tags field - it's lightweight but powerful. ## Need Help? Still unsure how to tag your ideas? Reach out directly to us from [here](https://triangleip.com/contact-us/). --- # Case Prediction and Statistics (Cost Prediction, Law Firm Statistics, Examiner Analytics) Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/case-prediction-and-statistics-cost-prediction-law-firm-statistics-examiner-analytics/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2021-12-22 With TIP Tool’s version 2.0, also comes the intelligence that the tool provides. The tool provides information such as time to allowance, and predicted allowance rate that helps business owners take critical decisions and strategize accordingly. Once a summary is entered into an idea form, the form starts showing details such as predicted patentability score (on a scale of 1-10), cost of obtaining a patent on an idea, number of argument rounds predicted, and the time required for the idea to get patented. More the details added to the summary section, the more accurate the predictions get. Similarly on the Portfolio Manager, corresponding to each application the case stats are predicted that include the cost, the chances of getting a patent, the time of allowance and the number of predicted argument rounds. These case stats can also be relatively compared with the corresponding patent counsel, examiner and art unit (technology domain the patent application falls under at the PTO). This information can then be used by the business owners to drive decisions and decide the next course of action together with their patent counsel. --- # Dashboards Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/dashboards/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2021-12-07 The TIP tool provides an overview of your patent pipeline and team activity. Every role in the TIP Tool has information (represented in a graphical manner) specifically tailored to each role. Hence, a user would see dashboards corresponding to inventor, prosecutor, manager or admin role. Simply click on the Dashboard tab of the TIP Tool and get a holistic view of your idea and patent pipeline. --- # How to Do a Patent Application Search in the New Patent Lookup Module of the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-do-a-patent-application-search-in-the-new-patent-lookup-module-of-the-tip-tool/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2026-09-11 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query. Pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: [How to Search and Share Patent Records (Introducing Patent Lookup in TIP Tool™) #patentsearch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa-382XxF8w) **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Every patent application at the USPTO carries a long paper trail behind it. [Google Patents](https://patents.google.com/) and the USPTO's [Patent Public Search](https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search/patent-public-search) show you only a small part of it. The Fee receipts, continuity links, and patent term adjustment calculations sit elsewhere. Reaching them means moving between several websites or holding a registered USPTO account. That’s why we’ve introduced Patent Lookup. It pulls the whole record onto one page. You can enter a US or an international patent number and get back everything associated with that patent record. This matters when you need to: - See which art unit and examiner an application landed with, then check the allowance rate before planning your next move. - Download the official signed grant document. - Share a full prosecution snapshot with the stakeholders. ## How to Use Patent Lookup in the TIP Tool™ Patent Lookup is available directly in the top navigation menu of the TIP Tool™. Click on **Patent Lookup** to open it. ### Step 1: Search for Your Patent The search box accepts any of these numbers: - Patent number - US 12,462,575 - Application number - 17/820,859 - Publication number - US20230057509A1 You can search US and international patent applications. Once you’ve entered the number, click on the Search icon. The tool pulls the live record from the USPTO and opens the result page. **Note:** You can have up to 10 searches per day. ### Step 2: Check the Key Details Every result opens with a summary that stays visible as you move between tabs. It gives you the headline facts at a glance: - Application Number - Assignee - Publication Number - Patent Number, with the issue date underneath - Filing Date - Status, with the date that status was recorded ## Here’s All That Patent Lookup Shows You Seven tabs run down the left side of the result. Each one covers a different part of the patent record. ### 1. Application Data In the Application Data tab, you can view: - Examiner - Application type - Group art unit - Earliest publication date - Effective filing date - Entity status - Confirmation number - Customer number - Attorney Docket Number - Inventor names - CPC classification codes Use this to see which examiner, CPC Code, and art unit an application was assigned to. CPC codes show how the USPTO has classified the invention. You can view the Examiner Statistics, like the average allowance rate, grant time, and more, by clicking on the external link icon near the Examiner’s name. ### 2. Documents & Transactions Here you can download the documents and view the transactions involved in the prosecution of the patent application. It lists every document associated with the patent application: - Mail room date - The date the document was received or mailed. - Doc code - The USPTO Document code - Doc description - Direction - Incoming means the applicant filed it with the USPTO. - Outgoing means the USPTO sent it to the applicant. - Internal means the USPTO created it during examination. - A PDF download option for each document. The Transactions tab lists every event the USPTO logged during prosecution: - Date - Code - USPTO event code for that transaction - Description Use this to find out the complete prosecution history of the application. You can download and share documents as a PDF with your patent prosecutors, researchers, and other users analyzing patent prosecution ### 3. Continuity Patents rarely stand alone. This tab maps the application to the rest of its family through two tables. - **Parent data** shows the earlier filings this application claims priority from. - **Child data** shows the later filings that came out of it, such as a continuation. Every related application number is a link. Click one to open that application in Patent Lookup. To view the complete patent family tree, click on the **View Family Tree** button. Use this to understand the relations in the family tree and filing opportunities. A live child application often means the assignee is still expanding claim coverage in that area. ### 4. Patent Term Adjustment A patent’s validity is 20 years from its filing date. When the USPTO takes too long at certain stages, it adds those lost days back to the patent’s validity date. This tab shows how many days were added and where they came from. #### A Delays **A Delays** are days the USPTO took past its own examination deadlines, under[35 U.S.C. 154(b)(1)(A)](https://www.uspto.gov/patents/laws/american-inventors-protection-act-1999/patent-term-guarantee-overview). The law sets four: - First office action within 14 months of filing - Reply to the applicant's response or appeal brief within 4 months - Action on a Board or court decision within 4 months - Patent issued within 4 months of the issue fee Only the days past a deadline count. A first office action at 18 months adds 4 months of A Delay. #### B Delays **B Delays** are days the USPTO took beyond 3 years from filing to issue the patent, under[154(b)(1)(B)](https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s2733.html). B Delays stop being counted once a Request for Continued Examination is filed. Only the days before that point count. #### C Delays **C Delays** are days spent on an appeal that succeeded. If the Board reversed the examiner's rejection, the time your appeal took gets added back, under [154(b)(1)(C)](https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s2731.html). Two rarer situations also count, which are disputes over who invented something first and national security restrictions. #### Overlapping Days **Overlapping Days** are days that fall under more than one delay type. The tool counts them once. #### Non-Overlapping USPTO Delays **Non-Overlapping USPTO Delays** are the total USPTO delay after the overlapping days are removed. #### PTO Manual Adjustments **PTO Manual Adjustments** are any manual changes the USPTO made to the calculation. #### Applicant Delays **Applicant Delays** are the days delayed during prosecution because of the applicant. These get subtracted. #### Total Patent Term Adjustments **Total Patent Term Adjustments** is the net number of days added to the patent's term. You can also view the Patent Term Adjustment History, breaking down the total delays event by event. - **Number** is the ID the USPTO gives that event. - **Date** is when the event happened. - **Contents Description** explains what the event was - **PTO (Days)** are the delay days charged to the patent office for that event - **APPL (Days)** are the delay days charged to the applicant - **Start** points to the earlier event that the delay period is measured from Use this to calculate the real expiry date of a patent rather than assuming a flat 20-year term from filing. It also shows you how much term was lost to applicant delays. ### 5. Fee Payment History This tab lists each fee recorded against the application, with its code, description, and date. It is a quick check on whether an issue fee or maintenance fee has been processed. ### 6. Address & Attorney/Agent Information This tab shows who is handling the application at the USPTO. You get three address blocks: - Power of attorney, with the customer number and firm address - Correspondence address, showing where the USPTO sends mail - Maintenance fee address Below the addresses sit the attorneys and agents on record. Each entry gives a name, a registration number, and a phone number. Use this to identify which firm a competitor uses and who to contact on a specific patent application. You can view the patent attorney’s statistics, like the average allowance rate with respect to the examiner, grant time, and more, by clicking on the external link icon near the attorney’s name. ### 7. eGrant The eGrant is the digitally signed official patent document issued by the USPTO. This tab gives you that document plus the day-of notification document, both downloadable in PDF format. Use this to get the official patent grant copy without going through the USPTO files. ## Saving and Sharing What You Find Patent Lookup gives you two ways to hold on to a record. Add it to your portfolio to track it alongside your other applications. Or share it as a public link that stakeholders can open without a TIP Tool™ account. ### Add a Patent Record to Your Portfolio Click **Add to portfolio** in the top right of any result to save the application into your patent portfolio. Once added, the application is tracked alongside the rest of your applications in the portfolio. To know more about adding applications to your portfolio, check our article: [Patent Applications Intake](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/application-intake-filed-applications-apps-not-synced-upload-status.txt). ### Share the Patent Record With Anyone Click the share icon next to the application number. The tool generates a link, which appears beside the number with a copy icon. Copy the link and send it on. Whoever opens it can view the full report without logging into the TIP Tool™. You can click the Delete icon next to the link to stop sharing access. A confirmation appears telling you the link has been deleted and will no longer open. Anyone still holding that link loses access to the report. ## Summary The granted patent tells you what was allowed. Patent Lookup tells you how it got there. You can see what was originally filed and how the claims changed along the way. You can read what the examiner rejected and how the applicant answered. Prosecutors and researchers use that detail for claim analysis and for due diligence before a deal. The examiner and attorney names link straight into Examiner Analysis and Prosecutor Analysis, so you can check their record without a USPTO account. --- # How to Do Advance Search of Examiners? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-do-advance-search-of-examiners/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGhO6ExwoXA **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. When you're looking to analyze examiner behavior more precisely, the **Advanced Search** option in the TIP Tool™’s Examiner Analysis feature becomes essential. This function helps you narrow down your analysis based on filing timelines, application statuses, and Group Art Units (GAUs), making it easier to compare examiners across specific contexts. ### Where to Find Advanced Search 1. Go to **Examiner Analysis**. 2. Enter an examiner’s name in the search bar and click **Analyze**. 3. You are on a new page and just beneath the Analyze field at top, click on **Advanced Search** to expand the filter panel. ### What You Can Filter Here’s a breakdown of the filters and how to use them: #### 1. Applications Filing Date Range - Use the calendar pickers to specify a **start and end date** for filing dates. - This is useful when analyzing an examiner’s performance during a particular time window (e.g., post-America Invents Act (AIA) filings). Example: If you want to see how an examiner behaved during 2020-2021? Just set those dates. #### 2. Recent Activity Window Alternatively, select predefined filters to only include applications with recent updates in the last: - 6 months - 12 months - 24 months #### 3. Group Art Unit (Top 100) - Choose one or more GAUs to restrict your examiner search to specific technology domains. Example: Want to analyze how an examiner handled applications in **GAU 2925** (e.g., software or business methods)? Enter that one and select that from the options loaded for you. #### 4. Status Filters Choose which types of applications to include: ✅ Pending ✅ Issued ✅ Abandoned ✅ Expired 💡 This helps when you want to analyze only active matters, or filter for abandoned applications to study prosecution obstacles. ### Switching Between Filing Year and Grant Year At the bottom of the examiner dashboard, you’ll see bar charts showing allowance trends. You can toggle between: - **Filing Year** (to analyze how filings over time performed) - **Grant Year** (to understand approval trends over issuance years) ✅ Use case: If your company filed heavily in 2020, toggle to Filing Year to see how many patents got granted, rejected, or are still pending. ### Pro Tip: Combine Filters for Sharper Insights Use multiple filters together to run hyper-targeted analysis. For instance: “Show me all abandoned applications from GAU 2625 handled by Examiner Smith between 2019–2021.” This allows you to anticipate examiner behavior, plan office action responses, and prepare for interviews or appeals more strategically. --- # How to Do Advanced Search in Prosecutor Analysis? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-do-advanced-search-in-prosecutor-analysis/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2026-05-06 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query - pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch? ** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uKVrP88OMA **Prefer to read? ** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. When you search for a prosecutor in the TIP Tool™, the default view shows their overall performance across all their cases - every filing, every art unit, every year. That's a useful starting point, but your decision usually needs more precision than a blended average. Maybe you only care about how they've performed in the last two years. Maybe you want to see their track record in the specific Group Art Unit that matches your technology. Or you might only want to look at cases that reached a final outcome - not ones still in process. The Advanced Search feature lets you apply exactly those filters - so every section of the prosecutor's profile (allowance rates, RCE trends, office action patterns, timelines, and the allowance trend chart) reflects only the data that's relevant to your decision. ## Where to Find Advanced Search 1. Go to Prosecutor Analysis from the top navigation bar in the TIP Tool™. 2. Enter the attorney's name or law firm in the search bar and click "Analyze." 3. Once the profile loads, look just below the search bar at the top of the results page. Click on "Advanced Search" to expand the filter panel. ## What You Can Filter - And When to Use Each ### 1. Applications Filing Date Range Use the calendar pickers to set a start and end date. Every section on the prosecutor's profile - the allowance rate arc, the profile table, the RCE trend, the office actions chart, and the allowance trend - will update to show only applications filed within that window. **When to use it:** Patent law and USPTO examination practices evolve over time. A prosecutor's record from a decade ago may not reflect how they operate today. If you want to evaluate performance under current USPTO practices, narrow the filing date range to the last two to three years. **Example:** "Show me how this attorney performed on applications filed between 2022 and 2024 - the period most relevant to my upcoming filings." ### 2. Recent Activity Window Instead of setting custom dates, you can select a predefined recent activity window to only include applications that had updates in the last: - 6 months - 12 months - 24 months **When to use it:** This is the fastest way to check whether a prosecutor is currently active. Someone may have an impressive historical track record but be largely inactive today - retired, reduced workload, or no longer taking new clients. The Recent Activity filter separates past performance from present availability. 💡 If you're evaluating counsel for a matter you need to start in the next few months, always check recent activity first. A strong but inactive attorney won't serve your timeline. ### 3. Group Art Unit (GAU) Choose one or more GAUs to restrict the prosecutor's data to a specific technology domain. The allowance rate, profile table, issuance times, office action comparison, and all other sections will update to reflect only cases in those art units. **When to use it:** Many prosecutors work across multiple technology areas - and their performance can vary significantly between them. A blended average across all their GAUs may not tell you anything useful about how they'll perform in your specific art unit. **Example:** "This attorney has a strong overall allowance rate, but I need to know their record specifically in GAU 2435 - the art unit where my applications are likely to land." T**ip: **You can select multiple GAUs at once if your technology spans more than one domain. The profile will aggregate data across all selected art units. ### 4. Case Status Filters Choose which types of applications to include in the analysis: - **Pending** - Applications still in process (useful for assessing current active workload) - **Issued** - Granted patents (useful for studying what successful prosecution looks like for this attorney) - **Abandoned** - Cases that were dropped (useful for studying failure patterns and prosecution risks) - **Expired** - Patents that have lapsed **When to use it:** Different questions call for different status filters. If you want to understand how successfully a prosecutor gets cases to grant, focus on Issued. If you want to study what happens when prosecution fails - and whether the patterns reveal anything about their strategy - look at Abandoned. For understanding their current workload and capacity, Pending gives you the picture. 💡 Combining Issued and Abandoned together is a useful way to study the full outcome picture - wins and losses - for a specific time period or art unit, without pending cases skewing the numbers. ## Pro Tip: Combine Filters for Sharper Insights The real power of Advanced Search comes from using multiple filters together. Instead of a blended overall average, you can build a view that matches your exact scenario and read every section of the prosecutor's profile through that specific lens. Here are some practical filter combinations: | **What You Want to Know** | **Filters to Combine** | | --- | --- | | Is this attorney strong in my specific art unit right now? | GAU filter (your art unit) + Recent Activity (last 12 months) + Status: Issued | | What does failure look like for this prosecutor in my technology area? | GAU filter + Filing Date Range (last 3 years) + Status: Abandoned | | Is a historically strong prosecutor still actively taking work? | Recent Activity (last 6 months) + Status: Pending | | How did cases filed during a specific regulatory period turn out? | Filing Date Range (e.g., 2020-2022) + Status: Issued + Status: Abandoned | | How does this attorney perform in my art unit vs. their overall average? | GAU filter only - then compare the filtered profile table against the unfiltered view | Video: [How to Make the Right Use of Prosecutor Analysis in the TIP Tool™](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fzDVBT62VY) --- # How to Make the Right Use of Examiner Analysis? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-make-the-right-use-of-examiner-analysis/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2026-04-30 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBViCNJufv4 **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Getting a patent approved isn’t just about what you write, it's also about who’s reviewing it. Once your application is filed, it goes to a USPTO examiner. Some examiners approve patents more often and faster. Others are slow, strict, or rarely grant anything at all. The Examiner Analysis feature in the TIP Tool™ helps you understand the person reviewing your application, their past decisions, how tough they are, how long they usually take, and how many rejections they give before granting anything. Knowing this upfront means you’re not going in blind. You can plan better, respond smarter, and even decide if it’s worth continuing or stop moving ahead with that application. ## What Examiner Analysis Helps You Understand With Examiner Analysis in the TIP Tool™, you can uncover key patterns such as: - **Allowance Rates** – How often the examiner grants patents compared to others - **Office Action Behavior** – How many rejections they usually issue before approval - **Time to Grant** – How long it typically takes to get through the process - **Technical Domain** – Whether they specialize in your invention’s area Understanding these factors means you can: - Adjust your patent strategy before it’s too late - Choose whether to revise, interview, or appeal - Better estimate costs and timelines for legal review ## Step-by-Step: Using Examiner Analysis in the TIP Tool™ ### Step 1: Go to the Examiner Analysis Tab From the top navigation bar in the TIP Tool™, click on “**Examiner Analysis**.” This will take you to the dashboard where you can search for individual USPTO examiners. ### Step 2: Search for an Examiner In the search bar, begin typing the examiner’s name (e.g., “Janice”), and the tool will auto-suggest matches as you type. Once you see the correct name, select it and click **“Analyze.”** Also, check [How to Do Advanced Search of Examiners?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-do-advance-search-of-examiners.txt) ## What You’ll See (And How to Use It) Once the profile loads, the page is divided into **multiple data blocks**. Here’s how each part can guide your prosecution strategy: ### 1. Allowance Rate Comparison (Examiner vs GAU vs USPTO) At the top, you’ll see circular progress charts showing: - Examiner’s personal grant rate - Average for their Group Art Unit(s) - USPTO average At the bottom, you’ll see color legends indicating how the examiner’s allowance rate compares to their Art Unit average: red (more than 10% below), yellow (within ±10%), and green (more than 10% above). In layman’s terms, red means much stricter, yellow means typical, and green means more generous. **Why it matters** If your examiner’s grant rate is much lower than their GAU or the USPTO average, expect a tougher road ahead i.e., more rejections, delays, or appeals may be needed. ### 2. Examiner Profile Table This section gives you a quick but powerful snapshot of how your examiner behaves in prosecution. You’ll see: - Total Applications handled - Granted vs Abandoned counts - Grant Index (how this examiner compares to USPTO averages) - Average Grant Time - Avg. Office Actions Before Grant - In-Process Cases **Use Case**: This is where you size up your examiner’s temperament. Have they only granted a handful of cases in their career? That could indicate a near-impossible path (as with Janice Mooneyham 98% abandonment rate). If an examiner usually issues several rejections before granting a patent, it means you’ll likely face more back-and-forth which can lead to longer timelines and higher legal costs. This table helps you decide whether to stay the course, push harder, or cut your losses early. ### 3. Examination Pattern Tree This interactive visual maps out how applications examined by your selected examiner typically play out. It’s a **decision tree** built from real historical data. Here’s what it shows: - **Granted** – How often the examiner allows a case - **Abandoned** – How many applicants give up after office actions - **In-Process** – What’s still pending Click on any step in the decision tree (called a node) to view what typically happens next. For example, if most applications receive a Final Rejection at that point, the tool will show whether applicants commonly requested a continuous examination, chose to abandon the application, or ultimately secured a grant. You can double-click on any node to go deeper into the examination history. **Important:** This won’t predict your exact outcome. But it helps you learn from real patterns so you can make better decisions. If you're wondering, “What’s likely to happen next?” This is where you find that answer. ### 4. Time for Issuance + Office Actions This panel gives you a clear sense of how quickly (or slowly) the examiner tends to move applications forward, from first filing to final decision. You’ll see key insights like: - **Shortest, Average, and Longest Time to Grant** Know the range as some examiners are lightning-fast, others take years. - **Average Number of Office Actions Before Allowance** Shows how many back-and-forth rounds you might expect. **Why This Matters** This data helps you **plan ahead** whether you’re managing internal legal workflows, budgeting attorney time, or setting expectations for inventors and stakeholders. A higher number of office actions means more rounds of argument, and longer timelines could affect product launches or enforcement windows. **Use Case**: Helpful for forecasting internal timelines, legal resource needs, and budgeting expectations. ### 5. Group Art Units Associated with Examiner This section shows which Group Art Units (GAUs) the examiner has worked in and how their allowance rate changes with each GAUs. At the USPTO, every examiner is assigned to one or more GAUs — teams organized by technical domain (e.g., software, biotech, mechanical). Each GAU has its own average allowance rate and prosecution practices, often influenced by the supervisory structure and the complexity of the subject matter. **What You’ll See** - **GAU**: The number representing the examiner’s work area (e.g., 3689). - **Total Apps**: How many applications the examiner reviewed in that GAU. - **Allowance Rate**: The percentage of those applications they approved. For example, if an examiner allowed only **1.27%** of applications in GAU 3689 but **2.38%** in GAU 3629 that might tell you they’re slightly more flexible in GAU 3629. ### 6. Request for Continued Examination (RCE) Trend This section shows how often applicants had to file an RCE to keep prosecution going and whether doing so actually helped with getting a grant. **What’s an RCE?** A Request for Continued Examination (RCE) is filed when you want the examiner to take another look after a Final Office Action essentially buying another round of review. **What This Chart Tells You** - The pie chart shows how many granted applications involved: - In this example above, 60% of the granted cases didn’t need an RCE, while 40% needed one. To the Right: - A failure rate of 95.65% of applications filed with an RCE were ultimately abandoned or rejected i.e., a red flag for continuing. - Average number of RCEs filed per application: Helpful to understand how far most applicants had to push. **Why This Matters** If an examiner has a high RCE rejection/abandonment rate, it might not be worth pursuing after a final rejection. You can weigh whether to: - Proceed with an RCE (extra cost, time) - Appeal instead - Consider abandoning Use this data to avoid wasting cycles and budget on strategies that historically haven’t worked with this examiner. ### 7. Allowance Rate by Prosecution Method (Interviews, Appeals, RCEs) This section shows the number of cases **granted vs. abandoned**, broken down by key prosecution strategies: - Interviews - Appeals - Requests for Continued Examination (RCEs) **What You’ll See** - Bar chart showing how often each method was used - How successful they were (green = granted, red = abandoned) - Key time metrics on the right: - Time from filing to first office action - Time from first office action to allowance **Why It Matters** Not all strategies work equally with every examiner. In some rare cases, interviews may lead to a breakthrough but not always. With data like this, you can avoid wasting time and money on tactics that simply don’t work for this examiner. 👉 If appeals are the only route that’s led to grants, you’ll want to keep that option open early in your strategy. ### 8. Time Between a Response & Office Action This chart shows how long your selected examiner typically takes to respond after you’ve submitted a reply (like after a non-final or final rejection). **What You’ll See** - Bars showing the **minimum, average, and maximum** number of days it took the examiner to respond - Data for both: - **Non-Final Rejection (NFR)** - **Final Rejection (FR)** - Summary stats on the right (e.g., average number of NFRs/FRs issued per application) **Why It Matters** To answer of the most common client questions: “We just filed a response so now when can we expect to hear back?” Now you can answer that with data. If the average time to respond after an NFR is 84 days, you can realistically set expectations internally or with your client. ✅ Use this to manage timelines and avoid surprise delays during prosecution. ### 9. Allowance Trend Graph This bar chart shows how your examiner’s grant behavior has changed over the years. Giving you a long-view perspective before you respond or appeal. You’ll see: - Green: Granted Cases - Grey: Abandoned Cases - Blue: Pending Cases Use the toggle to switch between “Filing Year” and “Grant Year”. This comes as a handy way to track whether the examiner is becoming more or less lenient in recent years. **Why This Matters** If an examiner’s allowance rate is rising, you might take a more optimistic approach. If it’s declining or volatile, be prepared for delays, extra rounds, or even appeals. Knowing these trends helps you set the right expectations and strategy upfront. ### 10. Appeal Cycles This panel gives you a clear view of how often applicants go into the USPTO appeal process with this examiner and how far they make it. **What You’ll See** A branching diagram showing: - Notice of Appeal Phase - Pre-Appeal Conference Phase - Appeal Brief Phases (1 and 2) Each path shows the percentage of cases that followed that route, offering a visual breakdown of procedural momentum. **Why It Matters** It tells you how resistant or receptive an examiner may be to appeals. If few applications progress beyond early stages, it may suggest they’re tough to budge. If many succeed deeper into the appeal cycle, it’s a sign that persistence may pay off. ### 12. Pre-Appeal Brief Conference Before going into a full appeal (which is time-consuming and costly), applicants can request a Pre-Appeal Brief Conference. That is a quick review by the examiner and two supervisors to see if the rejection should stand. What You’ll See in the TIP Tool™: A simple chart that shows how often this examiner: - Reverse the rejection (you win early!) - Stood by the rejection (you move forward to appeal) **Why It Matters** This tells you whether it’s worth trying this shortcut. If the examiner often reopens prosecution at this stage, it might be a smart move to avoid a full-blown appeal. ### 13. Appeal Brief This section shows what happens when applicants skip the pre-appeal or lose there — and file a full **Appeal Brief** before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). **What You’ll See** - Percentage of cases where the appeal succeeded - Percentage of cases where the examiner’s rejection was upheld **Why It Matters** If the examiner tends to lose on appeal, it could be a strong signal that challenging their rejection is worth it. ### 14. Examiner vs. GAU: Office Action Trends This view compares how your examiner handles **Office Actions** versus how their **Group Art Units (GAUs)** handle them. You’ll see two sets of charts: **Examiner’s Behavior:** Shows what percentage of their applications receive: - Non-Final Rejections - Final Rejections - No Office Action **GAU Behavior:** Displays the same categories but averaged across the entire GAU (the examiner’s peer group). Now if you **click on any bar**, it will drill down into how many times they’ve issued 1, 2, or 3+ Non-Final Rejections (shown as CTNFs). **Why This Matters** If your examiner issues significantly more final rejections or multiple CTNFs than their peers, you may be in for a tougher prosecution. On the flip side, if they’re more lenient, it could signal faster resolution or a lower-cost path forward. This side-by-side comparison helps you **anticipate prosecution complexity** and adjust your strategy accordingly. ### 15. Office Actions Trend This panel breaks down how many **Office Actions** (Final + Non-Final) an examiner typically issues before allowance. You’ll see a pie chart showing: - Applications allowed after **1 Office Action** - After **2 Office Actions** - After **3 or more** On the right, you’ll find helpful stats like: - % of cases granted after 1 vs. 2 vs. 3+ rounds - Average days to allowance for each track - Whether any were granted **without** office actions **Why This Matters** If most allowances happen after multiple rejections, be ready for a longer, more resource-intensive prosecution. But if your examiner tends to allow quickly (e.g., after 1 CTNF), that’s a sign of smoother proceedings. ### 16. Popular Enterprises/Assignees with This Examiner This chart shows who’s worked most often with the examiner. Typically large organizations or repeat filers. You’ll see: - A **bar graph** of top applicants - A **table** with: - Total applications per applicant - Their **individual allowance rate** with this examiner **Use Case** If you see an organization like Bank of America with **dozens of applications but a 0% success rate**, it’s a red flag. This info helps you spot institutional trends — or see if the examiner seems tougher on particular applicants. ### 17. Popular Attorneys with This Examiner This final panel shows the law firms or counsel who’ve most frequently appeared before this examiner. What you’ll find: - Total applications per attorney - Their **allowance rates** - At-a-glance comparisons across firms **Why It’s Useful** If you’re evaluating external counsel or benchmarking internal teams, this data tells you who’s had success (or not) with the examiner you're facing. If one firm has consistently secured allowances, it may be worth learning from their approach or even reaching out. --- # How to Make the Right Use of Patent Prosecutor Analysis within the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-make-the-right-use-of-patent-prosecutor-analysis-within-the-tip-tool/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2026-05-06 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query - pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch? ** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fzDVBT62VY **Prefer to read? ** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Choosing the right patent attorney or law firm is one of the most consequential decisions an IP team makes. Yet most teams still rely on reputation, referrals, or gut feel - without any real data to back it up. The Prosecutor Analysis feature in the TIP Tool™ changes that. It gives you real prosecution data on any attorney or law firm: their allowance rates benchmarked against the examiners they worked with and their art units, prosecution timelines, office action behavior, RCE patterns, and the applicants they've represented. You can compare up to three prosecutors side by side and filter the data to match your specific context. With this, you stop guessing and start choosing counsel based on actual performance - in the right context. ## What Prosecutor Analysis Helps You Understand With Prosecutor Analysis in the TIP Tool™, you can: - **Evaluate allowance rates in context** - See how a prosecutor's grant rate compares to their examiners and art unit benchmarks, not just in isolation. - **Review prosecution efficiency** - Understand how long cases take to grant and how many office action rounds are typical for this attorney. - **Analyze RCE behavior** - See whether this prosecutor's cases require Requests for Continued Examination, and how often those RCEs actually succeed. - **Compare office action patterns** - Benchmark the prosecutor's office action rates against their Group Art Unit averages. - **Track performance trends over time** - See whether their allowance rate is improving, declining, or holding steady year over year. - **Check for potential conflicts** - See which applicants they've worked with most, including whether they represent your competitors. ## Step-by-Step: Using Prosecutor Analysis in the TIP Tool™ ### Step 1: Go to Prosecutor Analysis From the top navigation bar in the TIP Tool™, click on "Prosecutor Analysis." This will take you to the main search dashboard where you can look up any attorney or law firm. ### Step 2: Search for a Prosecutor or Law Firm In the search bar, type the attorney's name or the law firm's name. The tool will auto-suggest matches as you type. You can start at the law firm level for a broad view, then drill down to individual attorneys for a more precise picture. Once you see the right name, select it and click "Analyze." . ## What You'll See (And How to Use It) ### 1. Prosecutor Details At the very top, you'll see the prosecutor's full identity card. This includes: - Prosecutor name and law firm - Prosecutor license years (e.g., More than 4 Years) - Office address - Phone number - USPTO registration number - Email (where available) **Why it matters:** Before diving into performance data, this confirms you have the right person - especially when attorneys share common names or have moved between firms. The registration number is particularly useful for cross-referencing USPTO records. ### 2. Allowance Rate - 4-Layer Concentric Arc Chart This is the most important section. The tool uses a four-layer concentric arc chart to show performance at four levels simultaneously: - Outer arc - The individual prosecutor's allowance rate - Second arc - The prosecutor's average GAU (Group Art Unit) allowance rate - Third arc - The aggregated examiners' allowance rate (examiners this prosecutor worked with) - Inner arc - The aggregated examiners' GAU allowance rate The color coding on the outer arc tells you immediately how the prosecutor performs relative to their GAU average: - Red - More than 10% below the GAU average (underperforming) - Orange/Yellow - Within ±10% of the GAU average (performing as expected) - Green - More than 10% above the GAU average (outperforming) **Why it matters:** A number without context can completely mislead you. In the example above, Thomas D Franklin has an 88% allowance rate - shown in orange (within range). But look at what that means: the examiners he worked with have an 85% average, and his GAU average is 80.5%. His 88% is actually above both benchmarks. Without the concentric chart, you'd just see a number. With it, you see performance in context. 💡 **Core principle: **Never judge an allowance rate without comparing it to the examiner and art unit benchmarks. A 90% rate can signal exceptional skill or simply reflect an easy examiner - this chart tells you which it is. ### 3. Prosecutor Profile Table This table gives you a full head-to-head comparison across four columns: the prosecutor, their Group Art Units, the aggregated examiners they worked with, and those examiners' GAUs. For each, you see: - Total Applications - Granted Patents - Allowance Rate (with color-coded performance badges: Impressive, Average, Below Average) - Abandoned/Rejected Applications - Pending Applications - Average Grant Time - Average Office Actions Below the table, the tool generates a plain-English narrative summary that ties the numbers together - explaining how the prosecutor's performance relates to their examiners and GAU context. **Use Case:** This is where you size up a prosecutor's complete track record at a glance. In the example, Thomas D Franklin's 1.5-year average grant time and 0.8 average office actions are both significantly better than the GAU average of 2.1 years and 1.1 office actions - a strong signal of prosecution efficiency. ### 4. Issuance Time & Office Actions + Group Art Units This section has two parts. The top table gives you precise timing and office action data comparing the prosecutor directly against the examiners they worked with: - Time for Issuance - Shortest, Average, and Longest (prosecutor vs. examiners) - Office Actions Before Issuance - Least, Average, and Most (prosecutor vs. examiners Below that, a bar chart shows the Group Art Units this prosecutor has worked in most frequently, with a breakdown table on the right showing their allowance rate in each GAU. **Why it matters:** This section helps you set realistic expectations before you engage a prosecutor. If their average grant time is 1.5 years against examiners who typically take 2.0 years, that's a meaningful efficiency advantage. The GAU breakdown also confirms whether their experience and performance are concentrated in the specific art unit relevant to your case. **Use Case: **If you're managing a tight prosecution budget or working toward a product launch timeline, a prosecutor who consistently resolves cases in fewer office action rounds and shorter timelines has a direct impact on your costs. ### 5. Request for Continued Examination (RCE) Trend This section shows how often the prosecutor's cases required a Request for Continued Examination - and whether filing an RCE actually helped. The pie chart breaks down granted applications by: - No RCE required - 1 RCE filed - 2 RCEs filed - 3 or more RCEs filed On the right, you'll see the key outcome stats: what percentage of applications that went through an RCE were ultimately abandoned or rejected, how often the first RCE led to an immediate notice of allowance, and the average number of RCEs filed per application. **Why it matters:** A prosecutor who gets 92.3% of cases granted without ever needing an RCE is handling prosecution efficiently upfront. But the more telling stat here is that when an RCE is filed, 78% result in immediate allowance - a high success rate. Compare this to a prosecutor where most RCEs lead to abandonment, and you're looking at a very different risk profile. 💡 RCEs cost time and money. A prosecutor with a low RCE rate and a high RCE success rate is managing prosecution efficiently - fewer wasted cycles, lower legal costs. ### 6. Time Between a Response & Office Action This section shows how quickly the prosecutor typically responds after receiving a rejection, and how that compares to the examiners they work with. You'll see two side-by-side bar charts: - FR (Final Rejection) - Minimum, average, and maximum response turnaround times for the prosecutor vs. their examiners - NFR (Non-Final Rejection) - Same breakdown for non-final rejections The right-side stats show additional context: what percentage of cases were granted without any Final Rejection, what percentage involved both FR and NFR, and the average number of each rejection type per application. **Why it matters:** One of the most common questions IP teams get from inventors is: "We just responded - when can we expect to hear back?" This section lets you answer that with data. If the average response time after an NFR is around 80 days for this prosecutor, you can set that expectation clearly, rather than leaving stakeholders in the dark. ✅ Use this data to manage internal timelines, set client expectations, and avoid surprise delays during prosecution. ### 7. Allowance Trend This bar chart shows how the prosecutor's grant behavior has changed year over year. Each year displays three bars: - Green - Granted cases - Red - Abandoned cases - Blue - Pending cases Use the toggles at the top right to switch between Filing Year (how cases filed in a given year eventually resolved) and Grant Year (when patents were actually issued). You can also switch between Value (case counts) and Percentage views. **Why it matters:** Historical averages can hide recent shifts in performance. A prosecutor whose allowance rate was strong five years ago may be struggling today - or vice versa. The trend chart lets you spot whether performance is rising, declining, or consistent, and gives you a longer-view perspective before committing. 💡 **Tip: **Switch to Grant Year to understand how many patents this prosecutor actually got issued in recent years. Switch to Filing Year to track the outcomes of a specific batch of cases over their full lifecycle. ### 8. Office Actions - Prosecutor vs. Group Art Unit This section shows two side-by-side bar charts comparing how the prosecutor's cases are handled versus how the broader Group Art Unit handles them. For each, you see the percentage of applications that received: - No Office Action - Non-Final Rejection (NFR) - Final Rejection (FR) Click on any bar to drill down further - for example, clicking the NFR bar will show how many applications received 1, 2, or 3+ non-final rejections. **Why it matters:** The comparison reveals prosecution difficulty in context. In the example above, Thomas D Franklin's Final Rejection rate of 17.4% is notably lower than the GAU average of 30.9% - meaning his cases are significantly less likely to face a final rejection than typical cases in those art units. That's a meaningful prosecution advantage. **Use the drill-down: **Click on the NFR bar to see how many rounds of non-final rejections are typical. If most cases resolve after 1 NFR, that's a very different prosecution profile than one where 2-3 rounds are common. ### 9. Office Actions Trend This pie chart breaks down how many total office actions (Final + Non-Final Rejections combined) were involved in the prosecutor's granted cases: - No Office Action - 1 Office Action - 2 Office Actions - 3 or More Office Actions The right-side stats show the percentage of cases in each category, average days to allowance for each track, and how many cases were granted without any office actions at all. **Why it matters:** Nearly 38% of this prosecutor's cases get granted with zero office actions - a strong indicator of well-drafted applications that pass examination cleanly. Another 48% resolve after just one round. That means over 85% of cases close within a single office action cycle, which directly translates to lower legal costs and faster timelines for you. ### 10. Popular Applicants This section shows the companies and applicants the prosecutor has represented most frequently. A bar chart shows case volume per applicant, and a table on the right lists each assignee with their total applications and the prosecutor's allowance rate for their cases specifically. Summary stats at the top show the maximum applications in any single year, the top 3 applicants over the past 5 years, and the highest-volume applicant with a 100% allowance rate. **Why it matters:** This section serves two purposes. First, it shows who the prosecutor's real clients are - experience with Live Nation Entertainment's IP portfolio is very different from working with early-stage startups. Second, and critically, it's a conflict check. If a prosecutor regularly works with your direct competitors, that's something you need to know before engaging them. **Conflict check tip: **Look for any applicants that overlap with your competitors or companies in adjacent spaces. Even if there's no formal legal conflict, a prosecutor deeply embedded with a competitor may not be the right choice. ## How to Read the Data: A Few Important Reminders Prosecutor Analysis gives you powerful data, but context always matters. Keep these principles in mind: - **Benchmark comparisons are essential.** Never judge an allowance rate without comparing it to the examiner and art unit averages. The concentric arc chart exists precisely for this reason. - **Lower stats don't always mean worse performance.** Attorneys who take on complex technologies, contested claims, or difficult examiners may show lower allowance rates as a result. The data gives you context to ask better questions - not a final verdict. - **Volume matters.** An attorney with a very small number of cases in your area may not have enough data to draw reliable conclusions from. Look for meaningful sample sizes before committing. - **Recent activity is a useful signal.** Someone with a strong historical record but very little recent activity may not be actively taking new work. Use the Advanced Search filters to focus on recent filings and current caseloads. --- # How to Predict CPC Codes Using the Predictor Tool in TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-predict-cpc-codes-using-the-predictor-tool-in-tip-tool/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2026-09-09 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query. Pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: [How to Predict CPC Codes Using Predictor Tool in TIP Tool™? #uspto #CooperativePatentClassification](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx0xCeyH6-g) **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. At the USPTO, every utility patent application is assigned a set of CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) codes. These are precise labels describing what your invention does and where it fits within the global classification system. The[USPTO moved to CPC](https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search/classification-standards-and-development) on January 1, 2013, replacing its older USPC system. So CPC is the framework your application will actually be classified under. This assignment directly impacts: - Which [prior art gets searched against your claims](https://www.bitlaw.com/source/mpep/904-02-a.html) - Your application's allowance rate - The cost and time to grant Some CPC codes carry allowance rates below 10%, while others exceed 80%. An application drafted with the right CPC codes in mind can mean the difference between smooth prosecution and years of costly back-and-forth with the patent office. ## New in the Predictor Tool: CPC Code Prediction The Predictor Tool already tells you which art unit is likely to examine your application. It now predicts CPC codes too. Open Predictor from the top navigation menu of the TIP Tool. You will see two tabs at the top of the page: - GAU Units - CPC Codes The tool opens on GAU Units by default. Click the CPC Codes tab to run a CPC prediction. New to the Predictor? Start with [How to Predict the Art Unit Using the TIP Tool™](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-predict-the-art-unit-using-the-tip-tool.txt) for a walkthrough to predict the Group Art Unit. ### Step 1: Describe Your Invention You can enter the details in two ways: - Type your invention description directly into the text box - Or upload a .txt file containing your draft, abstract, or claim set A few things to keep in mind before you begin: - The minimum input is 50 words - The tool accepts up to 10,000 words - If your file exceeds 10,000 words, only the first 10,000 words will be used for the prediction. ### Step 2: Click “Begin Prediction” Once you enter or upload your text, click the “Begin Prediction” button. The tool processes your input using machine learning models trained on USPTO’s public prosecution data. In just a few seconds, you’ll see the predicted CPC codes for your invention, along with the confidence scores and allowance rate for each CPC Code. ### What The Predictor Tells You **1. Significant Terms & Related CPCs** You’ll first see a list of key terms identified in your submission with an indication of which CPC Codes they’re likely linked to. This list is extremely useful: - You can identify unwanted terms that may steer your application toward difficult art units. - You can add terms that are linked with preferred art units to influence application assignment. **2. Predicted CPC Codes** Next, the tool will display a ranked list of CPC codes organized by confidence level. Each row shows: - Confidence level - Shows how strongly the model links your text to that CPC code. - CPC codes predicted at that confidence level Use this to determine: - Whether your application is likely to enter a difficult CPC. - If changes are needed to steer toward a CPC code with better outcomes. **3. CPC vs. Allowance Rate Chart** Below the predicted codes, the tool gives you a bar chart that maps every predicted CPC code against its historical allowance rate. Use this to make a business case to revise draft language to avoid high-rejection zones ## Rerun, Refine, Repeat What makes the TIP Tool™’s Art Unit Predictor powerful is its real-time feedback loop: - Update your draft - Rerun the prediction - See how your changes shift predicted CPCs Run the GAU prediction alongside the CPC code prediction for the fuller picture. GAU tells you the broader examination area your invention falls into, such as semiconductors. CPC narrows that down to the specific technology or solution. Together, they show you where your invention sits and how it is likely to be examined. This supports smarter drafting from the idea stage. You see how your language shifts classification before you file, rather than after. --- # How to Predict the Art Unit Using the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-predict-the-art-unit-using-the-tip-tool/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPGHHcbW-so **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. At the USPTO, every application is assigned to an Art Unit: a group of examiners specialized in a specific area of technology. The assignment directly impacts: - Allowance rate - Examination delays - Number of rejections - Cost and time to grant Not all art units are created equal. Some art units have allowance rates below 10%, while others exceed 90%. A well-prepared application that aligns with favorable art units can dramatically improve outcomes. With the TIP Tool™’s Predictor, you get data-driven insights — helping you refine your patent draft early and increase your chances of faster, successful prosecution. Let’s explore how this works. ## How to Use the Predictor in the TIP Tool™ The **Predictor** is available as a tab in the top menu of the TIP Tool™. **Follow these steps:** #### Step 1: Input Your Invention Details You can describe your invention in two ways: - Type your invention description directly into the text box - Or upload a .txt file containing your draft, abstract, or claim set **Guidelines for Input:** - Minimum: 50 words - Maximum: 10,000 words (only the first 10,000 words will be used if you exceed this limit) - Format supported: .txt file only - Richer inputs (like detailed abstracts, sample claims, or summaries) result in more accurate predictions Tip: Use your claim set or abstract for best results — this mirrors what the USPTO uses to determine art units. #### Step 2: Click “Begin Prediction” Once your text is entered or uploaded, click the “Begin Prediction” button. The tool processes your input using machine learning models trained on USPTO’s public prosecution data. In seconds, you’ll see another page that will show what's in the next part. ## What the Predictor Tells You ### 1️⃣ Significant Terms & Related GAUs You’ll first see a list of key terms identified in your submission with an indication of which **Art Units (GAUs)** they’re likely linked to. This list is extremely useful: - You can identify unwanted terms that may steer your application toward difficult art units - You can add terms that are linked with preferred art units to influence application assignment ✅ The tool shows these terms in a single integrated view — unlike many other tools that separate term and art unit mappings. ### 2️⃣ Search by Art Unit Below the terms, you’ll see a “Significant Terms by Art Unit” section. This allows you to: - Enter any Art Unit of interest (e.g., GAU 2133) - See what terms are statistically linked to that unit - Use this as a drafting aid to target or avoid specific art units **✅** Words appear in various sizes — larger words have higher relevance or frequency in the selected art unit. ### 3️⃣ Predicted Art Units (GAUs) Next, the tool gives you a list of predicted Art Units where your application is most likely to be routed. For each GAU, you get: - GAU Number (e.g., 3689) - Confidence level (shown via stars) - Past allowance rate for that unit Use this to determine: - Whether your application is likely to enter a difficult GAU - If changes are needed to steer toward a unit with better outcomes ### 4️⃣ Art Unit vs. Allowance Rate Graph Finally, the Predictor provides a visual chart comparing: - Art Units - Their historical allowance rates Use this to: - Spot favorable units at a glance - Make a business case to revise draft language to avoid high-rejection zones ## Rerun, Refine, Repeat What makes the TIP Tool™’s Art Unit Predictor powerful is its real-time feedback loop: - Update your draft - Rerun the prediction - See how your changes shift predicted GAUs This supports smarter drafting from the idea stage, saving time, reducing office actions, and improving grant rates. --- # How to Understand Patent Families Using the TIP Tool™’s Family Tree? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-understand-patent-families-using-the-tip-tools-family-tree/ Category: Analytics Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8qIR_gNuSY **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Understanding how your patent applications are related is essential to building and maintaining a strong, strategic IP portfolio. That’s why the TIP Tool™ offers a powerful **Patent Family Tree Generator** helping you visualize how applications connect. Patent families typically include: - **Continuation applications** (re-filing with new claims, no new content) - **Continuation-in-part (CIP)** applications (adds new matter to earlier content) - **Divisional applications** (splits multiple inventions into separate filings) - **Provisional-to-nonprovisional** transitions - **Foreign national or PCT filings** based on a common priority - **National stage applications** from international (PCT) filings Here’s what you can achieve using the Family Tree in the TIP Tool™: - Know which filing acts as the “starting point” for all related applications — critical for determining what prior art applies. - Instantly spot global coverage and identify regions where you may want to expand with foreign filings. - Visualize which claims have already been pursued and which ones still have room for protection through new filings. - If there’s no filing linked to a major market or a technical improvement, the Family Tree highlights that gap. - With one glance, assess what’s issued, pending, or expired in the family and how the family supports business objectives or enforcement strategy. ## Where to Access the Family Tree Generator You can access the Triangle IP Family Tree Generator through **multiple ways**: ### 1. From the TIP Tool™ Portfolio Manager (Logged-In Users) - Navigate to the **Portfolio Manager** - Select a **Filed Application** - Click the **Family Tree** tab (Available in Gantt, Classic, or Modern views) ### 2. Via the Family Tree on the Top Navigation Bar - Login to TIP Tool™ - Navigate to the **Family Tree** tab in the top navigation bar. - Input any **public US patent application number** in the asked format. - Automatically generates and displays a visual map of related patent applications (family members) using publicly available records such as data from the USPTO's Public PAIR, INPADOC, or Espacenet. ## Understanding the Three Visualization Modes in the TIP Tool™ Family Tree Here’s a breakdown of what each view offers and when to use it: ### 1. Gantt Chart View – Found in the Portfolio Manager The **Gantt Chart View**, located inside the **Continuity Data** section of the **Portfolio Manager**, visually displays the full lifecycle of each family member from filing to expiration. It’s a powerful timeline-based view that helps you track term, pendency, and overlapping filings across your patent family. #### How to Read the Gantt Chart The Gantt chart provides a visual timeline of each patent application's lifecycle. Each row corresponds to a specific application, and the horizontal bars represent different stages in that application's journey. Here's how to interpret the chart elements: - **Gray Bar** Represents a Provisional Application, labeled as **PRO**. This reflects the earliest filing date but does not count toward an enforceable patent term. - **Blue Bar** Shows the pendency period — the time from the filing of a non-provisional application until the patent is granted. - **Green Bar** Indicates the enforceable patent term — the period from issuance to expiration of the patent. - **Application Labels (PRO, CON, CIP, etc.)** These appear alongside the bars to identify the application type: - **PRO** = Provisional - **CON** = Continuation - **CIP** = Continuation-in-Part - **Timeline at the Top** A chronological scale that spans across years, helping you visualize key lifecycle dates such as filing, grant, and expiry. - **Tooltip on Hover** Hovering over any bar displays detailed metadata, including application number, filing date, issue date, and expiration date. - **Position and Length of the Bar** Indicates when the application was filed and how long it remained in each stage—helping you understand pendency duration and enforceable life at a glance. ### 2. Modern View The **Modern View** provides a **timeline-based visualization** that maps out the chronological order of filings across jurisdictions, while visually representing relationships between patent family members such as provisional, continuation, and international filings. This view is ideal for seeing how and when filings were made, and how each application connects to its predecessor or sibling within the family. #### How to Read the Modern View The Application Family Tree view provides a visual map of how patent filings relate to each other across jurisdictions and generations. Here’s how to interpret each element in the chart: - **Timeline Across the Top** A horizontal chronological scale that helps you place each filing by its year. - **Rectangular Application Blocks** Each block represents an individual patent application. It displays the application number, filing date and a country flag to indicate the jurisdiction. - **Yellow Block** Indicates a U.S. non-provisional application. This color is used consistently for high visibility. - **Blue Block** Represents a foreign (non-U.S.) application, making it easy to distinguish international filings. - **Curved Arrows** Show the relationship between applications, such as parent-child connections within a family tree. - **Line Styles (See Legend Below the Chart)** Different line styles represent the type of continuation relationship: - **Solid Line** = Continuation - **Dotted Line** = Divisional - **Dashed Line** = Continuation-in-Part (CIP) - **Tooltip on Hover** Hovering over any application block reveals additional metadata, including: - Application title - Patent number - Assignee name - Filing date - Application status - Inventor (s) - Entity type ### 3. Classic View (Genealogical Format) The **Classic View** in the TIP Tool™ provides a genealogy-style visualization of your patent portfolio, built specifically to help you analyze direct and indirect priority relationships across family members. Unlike the timeline-based Modern View, this layout focuses purely on how applications are structurally connected, offering unmatched clarity into the legal lineage of filings across jurisdictions. It’s ideal for legal teams, patent strategists, and R&D managers who need to map continuity chains and plan continuation strategies with precision. #### How to Read the Classic View This view emphasizes relationship clarity and application status using **directional arrows**, **line styles**, and **color cues** to help you decode family structure at a glance. Here's how to interpret each visual element: - **Rectangular Boxes** Each box represents a unique patent application. Key details shown include: - Serial number - Filing date - Publication number - Issue date (if granted) - **Arrows Between Boxes** Arrows point from parent to child application, clearly showing the direction of priority claims. This helps you trace lineage and understand which applications stem from others. - **Line Styles (as shown in the legend below the chart)** Different line styles identify the type of relationship: - **Small Dotted Line** = Divisional - **Dashed Line** = Continuation-in-Part (CIP) - **Solid Line** = Continuation - **Color-Coded Relationship Lines (Visible on Hover)** Hovering over a line will highlight it and reveal its relationship type through color: - **Red** = Continuation - **Blue** = CIP - **Pink** = Divisional - **Application Status (Based on Box Color)** The color of each application box reflects its current status: - **Green** = Issued patent - **Yellow** = Pending application - **Gray** = Expired or Abandoned application #### What’s Different in Classic View - **More metadata in boxes**: Unlike the Modern View, which shows only application number and filing date, Classic View includes publication number and issue date. - **Hover-based color feedback**: Helps quickly identify the type of relationship between applications. - **Clearer priority mapping**: Shows both direct and indirect connections often missed in linear views. --- # Adding a previously used idea in a new filing Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/adding-a-previously-used-idea-in-a-new-filing/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2021-12-07 If you want an already used idea again, first you need to look at the complete list of ideas and check the status of the idea. An idea needs to be in an Active state to be dragged to the dropbox to create a filing. To check the status of the idea, Go on Options, and select on Active, Archived, and Deleted Matters so that all available ideas start showing on the interface. Search for the idea, through the idea number or keyword search in titles or tags. Once done, go to the idea and if it is in an archived or deleted state, make the idea active again. Here you can see that the required idea is in an archived state. I will now unarchive the idea and make it active. The idea is now ready to be used in another filing. --- # Adding an Idea to an Existing Filing Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/adding-an-idea-to-an-existing-filing/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2021-12-07 To add an idea to an existing filing, go open the filing in the ‘Patent Drafting’ stage. Scroll down to the portion of ‘Underlying Ideas’. There is an ‘Add Idea’ button next to it. When you click on ‘Add Idea’, a pop up opens, where you can add the idea number you want to add. Alternatively you can select the existing ideas from the dropdown selection. The drop down provides you the list of active as well as archived ideas. Select the idea to be added. Also define the scope of the idea within the filing. Check the box based on whether you want to archive or unarchive the newly added idea. Once you click on ‘Add to Filing’, the idea gets added to the Filing and would start reflecting. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVR-A1Y0Obg --- # Adding Child Applications in Idea Manager Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/childapplications/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2023-05-26 Child applications are applications that are based on an earlier filed application and claim priority to it. These relationships have legal effects. Child applications receive certain benefits from their parents. These benefits tell you the prior art that can be used against the patent family and when the invention’s features act as prior art against others. The type of child applications include: - Continuation Application - Continuation-In-Part Application - Divisional Application - Non-Provisional Filing A child application in the TIP tool can be filed if the idea is in the Patent Drafting stage or the Filed stage. When you hover over the ‘filing’ you will see an option of ‘File Child’. Click on it. A window will pop-up asking you the kind of child application you want to create. Choose the appropriate category and click ‘Create Filing’. Update the details of the new child application and click on Save. --- # Archive/Delete Workflow and Restore Process Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/archive-delete-workflow-only-user-guide-and-gif-and-restoring-process/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2021-12-22 Before we go into detail about the Archive and the Delete workflow, let us understand how the case matters are structured within the TIP tool across different stages of the workflow **Idea (A matter lying under the Idea Capture or Vetting Stage)** Any new idea matter added to the Idea Manager and that is still under the idea capture or vetting stages is categorized as an idea. These are matters that are still under review and the enterprise has not made a decision yet as to if they will be officially filed at the PTO. **Filing (A matter lying under the Patent Drafting or Filed Column)** Any matter that is moved to the Patent Drafting or the Filed column, is referred to as a ‘Filing’. That is, the matter has undergone review and the enterprise has decided to file for a patent for that idea. In the Patent Drafting stage, the filing matter acts as a shell to the underlying one or more ideas. That is, any changes made in the filing matter shell does not reflect in the individual ideas. However, any changes made in the individual ideas within the filing matter shell would reflect in the original idea and other filings that idea is a part of. **Archive ** The archive process is the process through which you can keep your ideas/filings safe and secure in a separate list. The archived ideas/filings can be referred back later or deleted from the archive space, when no longer needed. An idea/filing can be in an archived state for unlimited time, unless they are ‘deleted’. An example of when you would want ideas to be archived is when you have already used an idea in the filing, and the idea is no longer required for another filing. Archiving the idea would remove it from the interface, while at the same time keeping it in a separate list, so you can refer to it later. - When you want to archive an idea, you can simply click on the menu bar (the 3 lines) on the idea card and then click on Archive idea. It will archive your idea from the active cases list - Alternatively, you can click on the idea card, and then click on Archive to delete the idea **Delete ** Once, an idea is archived, if you want to permanently delete your idea/filing, then you can **‘delete’ **the archived idea. To delete an idea/filing, open the idea card and click on Delete. Note, that once deleted, the idea will be in the ‘delete’ pipeline only for 30 days. During these 30 days, restoring the idea to the archived state is possible. **However, 30 days after the delete action, the idea would be permanently deleted and not accessible by anyone in the portfolio** **Restoring Ideas/Filings** Any archived idea can be restored at any point. As stated earlier, archiving just removes the idea from the interface and keeps them in a separate list. If any changes in the archived idea is required or the idea needs to be restored, firstly click on the ‘Archived Matter’ checkbox to see the archived matters in your list Go to the idea that needs to be restored and click on Unarchive. Alternatively, open the idea card and click on ‘Unarchive’ --- # Collaboration Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/collaboration-include-the-timeline-and-comments/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2021-12-07 The latest version of the TIP Tool provides real time collaboration capabilities. What this means is that two or more users can edit an idea at the same time. The changes would start reflecting to the other user in a real time basis together with the name of the user making that change. Further, through the help of a time slider, the users can also identify who had made the change and when. For that, simply open the saved idea in an editable format. Below the summary section, there is a time slider option. Click on the timeslider. Move the bar to identify the changes done in the summary section of the idea form through its creation including details such as user name and time. Further, at every stage of the process, users can also add comments to the ideas and tag others for their specific attention and thoughts. --- # Creating a Filing Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/creating-a-filing/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2022-01-03 As we progress through the idea lifecycle, some of the ideas may not be pursued, while some may get approved to be filed as a patent application. Once an idea gets approved within an enterprise, it should move to the next stage, that is, the Patent Drafting stage. During this stage, mostly, a prosecutor takes over and starts preparing the draft of a patent application, which may also be referred to as a filing. The filing can be created based on one idea, or, if it is an omnibus application, it could be created based on multiple ideas. To create a filing in the Idea Manager, simply drag and drop the idea in the dropbox in the Patent Drafting column. You can put one idea in the drop box or in case of an omnibus filing, drag and drop multiple ideas and merge them to create a filing. The next step now is to define the scope of the ideas in the filing. Based on how you have used the different ideas, you can choose between ‘Fully Captured in Claims’, ‘Briefly Captured’, and ‘Fully Captured’. Once done, click on Create Filing. An editable version of the form will pop up. In case your filing has more than 1 idea, then the form will automatically combine the fields of the underlying ideas. You can edit the fields as per your requirement. The tool, by default, archives the underlying ideas so that they are not visible on the interface. However, if you dont want the ideas to be archived, then choose the option accordingly and Click on Create Filing. The Filing would be created and a new number would be generated by the tool, if not provided by the user. Video: https://help.triangleip.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Creating_a_Filing.mp4 --- # Creating additional Portfolio(s) Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/creating-additional-portfolio/ Category: Idea Manager, Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2021-12-10 You can create additional portfolios only if you are an admin of an account. Go to the Admin Panel of your profile, and Click on ‘Create Portfolio’. Fill in the various details for your new portfolio. Out of all the fields mentioned, the Portfolio name is a required field. You can also add other (optional) fields such as email addresses of personnel in your organization, the logo and short detail of your organization. While the former would be added under the users list, the latter information would be displayed under user profile. Once the details are filled, click on ‘Save’. Refresh the page. You should be now able to see the newly created portfolio under your profile. Click on the name profile. In the dropdown, go to ‘Portfolios’. The new portfolio should be visible in the list. --- # Customizing an Idea Form Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/customizing-an-idea-form/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2022-01-03 The idea form that is offered by the TIP tool is a short idea form. This means that the form is created to gather just the basic required information in order to make it easy to understand and to be used by the inventors. At the same time, in order to cater to specific requirements, the tool offers the capability to customize the idea form as per your organization's needs. If you are an admin of your TIP account, you can add additional fields in the idea form that you would like to gather more information on. Simply access the Admin Panel of your account. And click on ‘Customize Idea Form’. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Add New Fields’. This opens up the parameters that need to be filled for your field. Enter the field name that you want displayed on the idea form. Select the Field Type. You can select from Text type, Number Type, Boolean Type, or a List type. Based on the type of field you select or define, the users would be able to enter the data. Next, define any default value if you would like. You can also leave this value blank if you dont want to keep any default value. The next thing that you define is the columns where you want these fields to be visible. The column names that you select, would be the columns in the TIP tool, where the newly added fields would be visible. Refresh the page. Now when you click on the new idea form, the newly added field starts showing towards the bottom of the form. Video: https://help.triangleip.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Customizing_the_Idea_Form.mp4 In a similar manner you can also change the visibility of some of the existing fields of the idea form such as summary, prosecutor email and tags. --- # Editing a Filing Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/editing-a-filing/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2022-01-03 To edit a filing in the Patent Drafting or Filed column of the Idea Manager, open the filing and click on Edit. The editable version of the Filing would load, where the changes can be made. You can make changes to the Draft or the summary section of the Filing, and other parameters. However, if you wish to make an edit in the summary of the underlying Idea, then changes corresponding in the summary field corresponding to that idea need to be made. Please note that the TIP tool is built in such a way that any changes made to an idea will be reflected in all the filings that idea is a part of. Editing a filing also gives you the capability to edit the summary section of the underlying ideas. However, If you wish to make changes in the underlying idea, other than the summary section, click on the Filing, go to the idea that needs a change and click on Edit. Once the changes are made in the idea and saved, those changes will start reflecting in the Filing. As mentioned earlier, the changes will also start reflecting in any other filings that idea is a part of. --- # How do You Create Filings - Where Ideas are Merged One-to-One, One-to-Many and Many-to-One? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-do-you-create-filings-where-ideas-are-merged-one-to-one-one-to-many-and-many-to-one/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p407eFX7HM **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Creating a filing in the TIP Tool™ allows you to prepare and track a specific patent application - whether it's a provisional, non-provisional, continuation, or another type. You can associate one or more ideas with a filing. This helps teams manage real-world patent strategies like **omnibus filings, divisional applications, or multiple filings** based on the same core innovation. The TIP Tool™ supports these three common idea-to-filing mappings: 1. **One-to-One**: One idea → One filing 2. **Many-to-One**: Multiple ideas → One filing 3. **One-to-Many**: One idea → Multiple filings Let’s walk through how to create each type inside the tool. ## What is a Patent Filing in the TIP Tool™? A filing is where you track the patent application that will be (or has been) submitted for a set of ideas. It allows you to: - Link ideas to applications - Choose how detailed you want your application to be - Manage drafting and submission status - Upload and organize documents by filing ## Step-by-Step: How to Create a Filing ### 1. Drag the Idea(s) into the Patent Drafting Box - Go to the **Drafting** stage - At the top of the stage, you'll see a **Filing Box** area - Drag the idea(s) you want to file into this area **Important:** You **must** drop ideas into the **Filing Box area** at the top of the stage. If you drop them directly into the stage below, they won’t be added to a filing. ### 2. Click “Create Filing” After you've added the required idea(s) to the Filing Box, click **Create Filing**. For each idea, you can specify how fully it will be included in the filing: - **Fully Captured in Claims**: The idea is central to the application and appears in the claims - **Fully Captured**: The idea is described in detail but not claimed - **Briefly Captured**: The idea is mentioned but not fully drafted out 📌 **Note:** This is especially helpful for omnibus filings where multiple ideas are grouped into one complex case. ## Filing Structures Explained Let’s take a look at each supported structure: ### 1. One-to-One (Single Idea → One Filing) **When to use:** You're filing one patent for one core invention. **Steps:** - Drag a single idea into the filing box - Click **Create Filing** - Set capture level as needed - Upload draft or filed documents ### 2. Many-to-One (Multiple Ideas → One Filing) **When to use:** You're filing one application that covers multiple ideas — e.g., an omnibus or umbrella case. **Steps:** - Drag two or more ideas into the filing box - Click **Create Filing** - Choose how each idea is captured - Proceed with draft uploads and submission The filing will appear as linked to all those ideas. ### 3. One-to-Many (One Idea → Multiple Filings) **When to use:** You want to reuse one idea across multiple applications (e.g., in different jurisdictions or claim strategies). **Steps:** - Go to the **Filing Management** section - Create multiple filings and manually associate the same idea in each - TIP Tool™ allows ideas to be reused across filings using the idea number There is no drag-and-drop shortcut for this structure. Instead, **manually add the idea number** to each new filing. ## Admin Settings for Idea Merging By default, not all portfolios allow **merging multiple ideas into a filing**. If you're unable to do so, check your admin settings. **To enable:** 1. Go to **Admin Panel → Merging Preferences** 2. Enable **"Allow Multiple Ideas per Filing"** for the portfolio 3. Settings will auto-save (no Save button needed) Once enabled, you can create many-to-one filings. ## Can I Edit a Filing Later? Yes. To update a filing: - Click the filing name from any idea view or the filing dashboard - You can: - Add or remove ideas - Change the capture level for each idea - Upload updated drafts or filed documents This keeps your filing record flexible as your strategy evolves. **💡 Tips for Filing Strategy** -Use “Fully Captured in Claims” only for the primary idea(s) -Use “Briefly Captured” for secondary innovations to preserve flexibility -Track international variations by creating separate filings linked to the same idea --- # How Do You Customise the Stages in the Patent Pipeline in the TIP Tool™ ? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-do-you-customise-the-stages-in-the-patent-pipeline-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d59OczbyDRU **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. The TIP Tool™ pipeline has six stages, but not every team uses all of them. Some teams like to keep things simple and go straight from **Capture to Drafting**. Others add steps like a **Patentability Search** or **Internal Vetting**. Some even include a **Patent Review** stage to decide whether the drafted application should actually be filed. You can customise your workflow by turning stages on or off from the **Admin Panel**. Let’s walk through how to tailor the pipeline to fit your internal process. ## What You Can Customize The default pipeline in the TIP Tool™ has six stages: 1. Capture 2. Patentability Search (optional) 3. Internal Vetting (optional) 4. Drafting 5. Patent Review (optional) 6. Filed Depending on your process, you might want to: - **Remove stages** you don’t use (e.g., Search or Vetting) - **Keep only Capture → Drafting → Filed** for a fast-track process **How to Turn Stages On or Off** 1. Click your **profile** in the top-right corner 2. Select **Admin Panel** 3. Select the **Customize Page Preference** you see on the left side menu bar towards the bottom 4. If the setting is locked to your enterprise, uncheck **"Inherit from Organization"** 5. You’ll now see a list of all stages. - Uncheck any stage to hide it - Check it to keep it in your pipeline 6. The changes are applied automatically once you save it. **💡 Pro Tips** #1. If you're managing multiple portfolios, it's best to experiment with changes at the portfolio level before implementing them across the organization. - Select a specific portfolio from the dropdown. - Customize the workflow stages to match that team’s process. - Evaluate how the changes perform in practice. This lets you validate adjustments in a controlled setting and refine them as needed, ensuring your workflow mirrors real operational needs, not default settings. #2. While fewer stages mean a simpler interface and faster onboarding, using more stages can help you refine ideas more thoroughly, involve the right reviewers, and ensure that you’re only filing high-value, strategically important patents. --- # How to Add a New Idea in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/add-a-new-idea/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-09-04 Ready to capture your next big innovation? Great - let’s walk through how you can add a new idea in the TIP Tool™, step by step. We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nZXngtWJ0o **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. ## Step 1: Click the “Add Idea” Button First things first - log into the TIP Tool™and look for the **“Add Idea”** button on your “Idea Manager” dashboard on the top left. This opens up the idea form where you’ll enter all the details. 🔍 Tip: If you don’t see the button, check your user role — only users with idea creation rights can add ideas. ## Step 2: Assign an Idea Number to your Invention Disclosure Once the form opens, you’ll notice an **Idea Number** field. Now this one is not a mandatory field. Unless you follow a specific ways to number ideas at your enterprise, you can just use the idea numbers auto-generated by the tool as: - **Format**: Year - Sequence Number - Stage Code Example: 25-0006-CAP - 25: Year 2025 - 0006: This is your 6th idea this year - CAP: The current stage (Capture Phase) ## Step 3: Give Your Idea a Title (Required) Next up: the **Title** field. This is a required field - and for good reason. It helps everyone on your team quickly understand what the idea is about. Keep it short, clear, and meaningful. Good: “AI-Driven Performance Optimizer for IoT Devices” Avoid: “Stuff we talked about in the meeting” ## Step 4: Add Inventor Emails (Required) Enter your email address if you are the sole inventor. If there are other inventors collaborating with you on this idea, here is how you can go about it:. - Enter their email addresses - if they’re already users, they’ll be linked right away. - If they’re not yet on the TIP Tool™, they’ll get an invite email once the idea is published. 🔐 Note: Until you publish the idea, only **you** can see it. ## Step 5: Assign a Manager (Optional) If your organization uses manager-level approvals , you can assign a manager here. - Just start typing their name — if they have **manager rights**, they’ll appear in the dropdown. - You can also leave this blank and assign a manager later. 📌 Managers will be notified once the idea is published. ## Step 6: Write a Summary Now it’s time to describe your innovation. The **Summary** is your chance to explain: - What the idea does - What problem it solves - Why it’s unique or valuable This is a free-text field, so you can format it however you'd like. You can also link or reference attachments. Need help writing your summary? 👉 See our guide: [How to Write an Idea Summary](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-write-an-idea-summary-in-the-idea-form-within-the-tip-tool.txt)→ ## Step 7: Set the Value and Patentability Scores (Optional) These two fields help your team prioritize ideas: - **Value Score**: How important is this idea to your business? - **Patentability Score**: What are the chances of getting a patent granted? You can fill these in now or leave them for a manager or counsel to assess later. ### 👉 Learn more: - [Value Score](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/value-score-in-the-idea-form.txt) → - Patentability Score → ## Step 8: Add a Filing Deadline (Optional) Got an important event related to the idea coming up? Maybe a conference, product launch date, or prior disclosure? Use this field to let your team know. This can help prioritize your idea in the pipeline. ## Step 9: Upload Supporting Documents At the bottom of the form, you’ll find **two upload sections**: **#1. Disclosure**: Upload any material that helps explain the idea - slides, PDFs, diagrams, even videos or voice recordings. Down below you see the options “Existing Application” and “Choose From Uploaded Files”. If the idea or files are already there that you want to select or refer to. **#2. Application**: Use this if you’re attaching a draft patent application or prior filing. Later, this section will be used for exchanging drafts with counsel. Down below you see the options “Existing Application” and “Choose From Uploaded Files”. If the idea or files are already there that you want to select or refer to. ## Step 10: Save or Publish You’re almost there! - Click “**Save**” to keep the idea in draft mode - only you can see it. - Click “**Publish**” when you're ready to share the idea with inventors, managers, or your IP team. Once published, they’ll(emails you have entered) get notified and can collaborate with you inside the TIP Tool™. 💡 **Pro Tips**: Use clear, consistent titles so you can easily search and reference ideas.Don’t worry if it’s not perfect - you can update the idea anytime.Keep your draft ideas saved while you gather more details. --- # How to Collaborate in Real-Time Across Patent Lifecycle Stages in the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-collaborate-in-real-time-across-patent-lifecycle-stages-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-08-14 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmUPriiHme0 **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. The TIP Tool™ offers **real-time collaboration** across the entire patent lifecycle — from idea capture to filed patents. Whether you're brainstorming to refine ideas in the “Idea Capturing” stage, reviewing patentability search results, vetting ideas with business units, or preparing a filing, real-time collaboration keeps your team aligned and fast. This guide explains how real-time collaboration works **stage by stage**, who can access it, and how to make the most of it within your workflow. ### What is Real-Time Collaboration? In paid portfolios, the TIP Tool™ enables authorized users to simultaneously edit idea summaries, refine patent abstracts, and exchange comments in real time—facilitating collaborative brainstorming over ideas and patents. This functionality is just like Google Docs and it empowers users to: - See edits as others type in real time - Add inline comments that appear instantly - Track updates and suggestions in a centralized workspace - View who else is currently active on the same idea or filing All edits and comments are securely stored within the system, eliminating version control issues and scattered email threads. ## Where It Works: Collaboration at Each Stage The TIP Tool™ enables collaboration at various stages of the patent lifecycle. However, real-time collaboration features like simultaneous editing, inline comments, and multi-user visibility are primarily supported during **Internal Vetting and Drafting stages**, and only in paid portfolios (refers to a portfolio that is part of a subscribed [paid] plan). At each stage, you'll see the commenting button right at the top when you open any idea, draft, or filing. Here’s a stage-wise breakdown of what type of collaboration is actually supported, who can participate, and how it fits into your workflow. ### 1. Idea Capturing Stage: Early Brainstorming and Disclosure **Who can collaborate:** - Inventors - Managers - Admins **What you can do:** - Enter and edit idea titles, summaries, tags, and scores - Upload supporting documents - View who submitted the idea **Collaborate on Ideas via the Summary Pad** Within each idea's Summary field, the TIP Tool™ includes a smart editing pad (irrespective of what stage you are editing on) enabling focused collaboration among team members working on the idea. Here’s what it has: 1. **Share this Pad:** Share the editable summary pad with another user via a secure link Below is what the other person can see and access through the link for summary pad. 2. **Active Users:** See how many collaborators are currently viewing/editing. 3. **Pad Settings:** Toggle between clean view or full editing mode. For clean mode you need to switch off all the options, especially the **Show Chat and Users** and **Authorship colors.** Refer how it's done below. For full editing mode, you need to select a few options (as shown in the image below) to see who is editing what, and the authorship colors make it super easy to differentiate who made what changes to the idea. 4. **Save Revision:** Bookmark important revisions with a star 5. **TimeSlider:** Track changes over time with video-style playback. Every change is auto-saved as a new version, so you can easily review and navigate through your entire edit history. 6. **Import/Export:** Bring in or download text as TXT or DOC files **Use case:** Inventors submit raw idea disclosures to initiate the patent process. Managers may assist with or review the ideas at that point to ensure the best ideas move to the next stage in the patent lifecycle. ### 2. Patentability Search Stage **Who can collaborate:** Besides inventor and manager, at this stage you can invite a searcher as well as a prosecutor to collaborate over an idea. To add a searcher, drag the idea card from “Idea Capturing” stage to “Search” stage. As soon as you drag the card you shall see the following pop-up where you can select the searcher’s email address from the drop-down menu. Once you select the searcher, you may choose to notify the searcher via email by checking the box. If you do not see the searcher email address, you would need to request the admin of your patent portfolio to add searchers via “[Add Users](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-add-new-users-and-assign-roles-in-the-tip-tool.txt)” functionality in the control panel. To invite prosecutors to collaborate over an idea, you need to click on the “Edit” button on the top of the “Idea Page” popup and enter their email addresses in the designated field as shown below. **What you can do:** - Upload and review prior art reports - Update patentability scores or summaries based on search results - Share feedback on comments **Use case:** Managers and searchers refine technical details based on novelty search results. ### 3. Internal Vetting Stage (Idea Evaluation) **Who can collaborate:** - Inventors - Managers - Patent Committee Members **What you can do:** - Edit, review and comment on ideas in parallel - Leave real-time feedback through comments (e.g., “Needs more technical detail”) - Edit idea summary field during committee meetings **✅** This is the core collaboration stage ideal for patent committee meetings, cross-functional reviews, and vetting discussions. **Use case:** During a committee meeting, reviewers can co-edit an idea while leaving comments and suggestions ensuring alignment or idea with business goals. ### 4. Drafting Stage **Who can collaborate:** - Inventors - Managers - In-house IP counsel - External Attorney **What you can do:** - Co-develop draft application content - Upload supporting documentation - Leave comments and suggestions - Assign prosecutors and build the filing team **Use case:** Legal and technical teams edit the application draft together, replacing the need for email chains or scattered Word documents. ### 5. Review Stage (Final Application Review Before Submission) **Who can collaborate:** - Inventors - Managers - Prosecutors **What you can do:** - Review and comment on draft claims and specifications - Suggest clarifications or corrections **Use case:** Inventors and prosecutors finalize the application, resolving open questions before submission. ### 6. Filed Stage (Post-Filing Updates) **What happens here:** - Real-time collaborative editing on the application by the team is still available after the application is filed. Why here? Well in cases where updates are required in applications following a non-final rejection or an appeal. - Ongoing collaboration through comments to keep the team posted about the status of application and urgent modifications, if required. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM9ESUr9gRs ## Access Control & Role Permissions The TIP Tool™ uses **role-based access control** to manage who can view, edit, and collaborate on ideas and filings. Permissions vary by role and by the stage of the patent process. ### User Roles and What They Can Do | **Role** | **Permissions** | | --- | --- | | **Admin** | Full control across all portfolios: add/remove users, assign roles, manage access, view all content | | **Manager** | Edit all ideas in a portfolio, add users (within whitelisted domains), and initiate filings | | **Inventor** | View and edit only the ideas they're listed on; cannot add users or create filings | | **Prosecutor** | View and edit filings only **after** a filing has been created; cannot access early-stage ideas unless added explicitly | --- # How to Track the Journey of Ideas to Patents Across the Lifecycle Using the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-track-the-journey-of-ideas-to-patents-across-the-lifecycle-using-the-tip-tool/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMs8mwkYjhY **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. The TIP Tool™ helps you track ideas from early-stage concepts all the way to filed patent applications. The workflow is built as a visual pipeline with stages that represent key steps in the patent lifecycle. The interface is fairly simple and intuitive — just **drag and drop** an idea to move it to the next stage. As you move ideas forward or upload important documents, the system **automatically notifies the right people** (like inventors, managers, or searchers), so everyone stays aligned. Let’s walk through what each stage means, what happens there, and how to use it. ## Stages in the Patent Lifecycle The default pipeline in the TIP Tool™ includes six stages: 1. **Capture** 2. **Patentability Search** 3. **Internal Vetting** 4. **Drafting** 5. **Patent Review** 6. **Filed** Each stage reflects a key moment in the patent process — from idea submission to filed application. ### 1. Capture This is where your innovation’s journey begins. Use the **Add Idea** button to create a new disclosure. In this stage, you can: - Enter the idea **title** and **summary** - Add **inventor email addresses** - Attach supporting files (e.g., slides, sketches, notes) - Set optional inputs like **value score**, **patentability score**, and **filing deadline** 📌 **Note:** Ideas remain private until published. You can save as draft and return anytime. Also learn about [How to Add a New Idea in the TIP Tool?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/add-a-new-idea.txt) ### 2. Patentability Search (Optional) Use this stage to perform a **prior art or novelty search**. Here’s what you can do: - Drag the idea from Capture to Search - Assign a **searcher** by entering their email address (internal or external) - The searcher receives an automatic notification - They can **upload the search report** to this stage - You can also **perform the search yourself** and upload results directly - All uploaded reports stay linked to the idea for future reference 📌 **Tip:** If your enterprise doesn’t require searches, you can skip this stage and even hide it from the ‘Idea Manager’ dashboard. ### 3. Internal Vetting (Optional) This stage is for internal review and decision-making. You can use it to involve: - Inventors - Patent committee members - Business unit managers Here’s what happens: - Reviewers can approve or reject the idea - They may request more info or send it back for updates - This stage helps align filing decisions with business strategy and budget **Also learn about:** How the TIP Tool Facilitates Thorough Vetting via Real-Time Collaboration ### 4. Patent Drafting Once approved, the idea moves to **Patent Drafting**, where the patent application is written. In this stage: - Patent counsel (internal or external) begins preparing the application. - The inventors can upload early drafts and attach supporting documents if counsel requests. - The inventors, managers and prosecutors can communicate with each other via comments and by tagging each other as required. Here you can begin merging ideas into filings (See: [How to Create Filings](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/creating-a-filing.txt)). In fact there are four ways of idea-to-filing merging supported in the TIP Tool™ i.e., - **One idea to one filing** – A single idea forms the basis of a single application. - **Many ideas to one filing** – Multiple related ideas are merged into one omnibus application. - **One idea to many filings** – A single idea is reused across multiple applications, such as for different jurisdictions or continuation strategies. #### Related information: - [How to Edit a Filing?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/editing-a-filing.txt) - [How to Add an Idea to an Existing Filing?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/adding-an-idea-to-an-existing-filing.txt) - [How to Add a Previously Used Idea in a New Filing?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/adding-a-previously-used-idea-in-a-new-filing.txt) ### 5. Patent Review This is where the drafted patent is reviewed before submission. Key features: - Counsel uploads the draft into the TIP Tool™ - The system **notifies inventors and reviewers via email** - Everyone can review and comment securely inside the platform - All updates are tracked in one place — no need for email threads 🔐 **Why it matters:** This keeps your intellectual property secure and organized. ### 6. Filed This is the final stage - the patent application has been filed. Here’s what you can do: - Move the idea to **Filed** once the submission is complete - Upload the **filed application PDF** - Enter key metadata like **filing date** or **application number** Now here….this marks the end of the innovation management lifecycle in the TIP Tool™, while keeping all filing data stored for reference. ## Tips for Better Lifecycle Tracking - Use **Tags** to group ideas by product, department, or region - Add **Filing Deadlines** to highlight time-sensitive disclosures - Use **Value & Patentability Scores** to help plan filings - Archive completed or inactive ideas to keep your view clean --- # How to Write an Idea Summary in the Idea Form within the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-write-an-idea-summary-in-the-idea-form-within-the-tip-tool/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-07-04 We offer **two ways** to help you understand this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch? **Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdLSR5rnzAk **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. ### Overview The **Summary** section is one of the most important parts of the idea form. It helps reviewers, managers, and patent counsel understand your idea quickly and thoroughly. A well-written summary increases the likelihood that your idea will be properly evaluated. **What Should You Include in the Summary?** Your idea summary should be clear, concise, and complete. It is the single most important section in communicating the essence and value of your invention. To help you draft an effective summary, here’s a recommended structure to guide your writing: ### 1. Problem or Opportunity - What specific problem does your idea solve? - Is there a known inefficiency, technical bottleneck, or market gap? - Why is addressing this problem important to the business or customers? ### 2. Proposed Solution - What is your innovation or proposed approach? - How does the technical solution work at a high level? - What makes your solution novel, valuable, or more effective than alternatives? ### 3. Key Benefits / Technical Differentiators - What are the most significant advantages of your idea over existing solutions? - Consider benefits such as performance gains, cost savings, user experience, or sustainability. - Highlight any unique technical elements such as specific algorithms, architectures, or system designs. ### 4. Competitive Landscape (Prior Art, if known) - Are there existing products, patents, or known approaches addressing a similar challenge? - How is your idea different, better, or more defensible from a patent perspective? ### 5. Target Market / Application Area - Who does this innovation intend to serve? - Will it be used internally, by customers, or within a specific product line or market segment? - What strategic opportunities could this unlock? ### 6. Feasibility and Implementation Considerations - Are there any technical, financial, or operational challenges involved? - What stage is the idea currently in (concept, prototype, production)? - Are any resources or stakeholder approvals required to move forward? ### 7. Key Deadlines or Commercial Milestones (if applicable) - Is the idea tied to an upcoming product launch, investor meeting, regulatory submission, or public disclosure (e.g., conference or publication)? - Mention any relevant timelines to help your IP team prioritize **Here is an Example Summary** **Problem or Opportunity: **Current smart home systems are often inefficient in managing energy consumption due to static or rule-based thermostat controls. This leads to increased energy bills and suboptimal comfort for users. **Proposed Solution: **We propose an AI-based thermostat control system that continuously adapts to user behavior using machine learning models. The system leverages time-series data to dynamically adjust temperature settings in real-time. **Key Benefits: **This innovation improves energy efficiency by up to 30% compared to traditional systems. It enhances user comfort while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. **Target Market / Opportunity: **The technology is targeted for integration into our “SmartHomePro” product line, with a commercial launch expected in Q4. It aligns with our sustainability goals and competitive differentiation strategy in the smart home market. **Feasibility Considerations: **The system is currently in the prototype phase and undergoing performance validation. Implementation would require integration with existing HVAC control hardware and cloud infrastructure for data processing. **Competitive Landscape: **Known prior art includes Honeywell’s AI thermostat technologies (e.g., US9876543B2). Our solution differs by using predictive multi-zone learning models and continuous feedback loops for autonomous optimization. This structure is intended to help you communicate your ideas clearly and efficiently. You can always include more details or additional context as needed. **Quick Tip:** You can also attach supporting documents (e.g., PowerPoint, diagrams) and simply reference them in the summary like:“See attached slide deck for detailed flowchart.” For a simple way to ensure all these elements are addressed, refer to the Triangle IP’s **Idea Summary Template** (below), which mirrors this structure and can streamline your drafting process. --- # Nurturing: Updating Email Frequency Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/nurturing-updating-email-frequency/ Category: Idea Manager, Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2021-12-07 The TIP Tool provides email notifications at various stages of the idea management process. Email notifications are sent to stakeholders when: - An idea is published - An idea is approved - An idea is moved between different workflow stages - A draft is uploaded in an idea in the Patent Drafting Stage - Value and/or patentability scores are updated - An application is published, granted or an Office Action is issued The frequency of the emails can be set by an admin of the portfolio. To set the email frequency: Go to the Admin Panel of the portfolio. Click on the ‘Nurturing’ tab. The list of delivery options and their corresponding are provided on the tab. Click on the preferred email delivery option for your portfolio. The notifications would be received by the users accordingly. --- # Publishing an Idea Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/publishing-an-idea/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2022-01-03 In this video we are going to talk about Publishing an idea, and what is the difference between a published and an unpublished idea. In the Idea Capture column of the TIP tool, you can have published as well as unpublished ideas. The unpublished ideas would have a corresponding status reflected in the idea card. In the TIP tool, an unpublished idea means that the idea is visible to only the creator of the idea and no one else. This is done to allow the user to add information and details on the idea before they are ready to share with the associated managers, prosecutors and inventors. Once an idea is published, the idea starts showing in the list of ideas of the associated personnel as well. To publish an idea, simply click on the ‘Publish button’ on the idea form. Alternatively, click on the ‘Unpublished’ status on the idea card to publish the idea. Video: https://help.triangleip.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Publishing_an_Idea.mp4 --- # Updating User Profile/Password Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/updating-user-profile-password-only-user-guide/ Category: Idea Manager, Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2021-12-07 If you have been registered into the tool by an email invitation, there are high chances you have not set your password To set your password, log into the TIP tool. Click on your name/email address that is displayed on the top right corner of your interface Your profile page would be displayed. Click on edit and update the details such as name, location and bio. You can also upload a picture, if you wish On the right-hand of the screen you will see a Reset Password button. Click on this link to receive an email on your registered address. A link within the email will redirect you to set or update your password You can also reset your password through the login page. Click on Trouble logging in, enter your email address and click the reset password option You will receive an email like this. Click on the link to be directed to a page where you can update your password Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQZUPACRTtY --- # What is the Patentability Score in the Idea Form Within the TIP Tool™? How is It Set? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/patentability-score-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-11-17 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gGKIPtCZyM **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. When you enter an idea into the TIP Tool™, one of the fields you’ll see is the [Patentability Score](https://triangleip.com/tip-tool-terminology/). Let’s walk through what it means, how it’s calculated, and how you can use it to make better IP decisions. ## What is Patentability Score? The **Patentability Score** gives you an estimate of how likely your idea is to get a patent granted by the USPTO. It’s not a legal opinion or a guarantee. Instead, think of it as data-backed prediction. ## How is it Calculated? The TIP Tool™ automatically predicts the patentability score based on available analytics from the U.S. Patent Office and historical filing trends. Here’s what goes into the score: 1. **Art Unit Allowance Rates** Every patent application filed with the USPTO is routed to an Art Unit - a specialized group of examiners based on technology category. - Some art units are known for being more lenient, with higher allowance rates. - Others are more rigorous, granting fewer patents overall. At the early stage, before filing, the TIP Tool™ uses predicted art unit assignment to generate your patentability score. 2. **Examiner Statistics** Once an examiner is actually assigned to your case, the TIP Tool™ updates the score using: - Allowance Rate of that specific examiner - Speed of prosecution (how quickly cases move forward) - Past outcomes like: Interview success rate, Final rejections, RCE (Request for Continued Examination) trends. 3. **Law Firm or Patent Counsel Success Rate** (if available) If the idea is linked to a particular **law firm or attorney**, the TIP Tool™ may also factor in their historical success: - Win rates with specific examiners or art units - Speed and efficiency of allowance - Drafting quality based on prior outcomes Note: This input is optional and only applied when linked data is available. ## How Does the Patentability Score Change Over Time? The score is **dynamic** - it updates automatically as your idea moves through the pipeline. - **Early Stage**: Score is based on predicted art unit statistics. - **After Filing**: Once an examiner is assigned, the score gets more precise using real examiner-level data. - **During Prosecution**: Score may shift again as actions (e.g., office actions, interviews) occur. ## Can I Adjust the Score? Yes - the system-generated score is editable. If you or your patent counsel have deeper insight (e.g., unpublished prior art, known difficulties), you can manually adjust the score. Simply click into the **Patentability** field and choose your own number. Remember: This score helps with planning and prioritization. It doesn’t replace a detailed patentability analysis by your counsel. ## Why It Matters You may have multiple great ideas, but limited resources to file them all. The Patentability Score helps you: - Decide which ideas are “quick wins” - Flag low-patentability ideas for deeper review - Align expectations across teams (business, legal, product) --- # What is the Value Score in the Idea Form within the TIP Tool™? How to Set It? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/value-score-in-the-idea-form/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2025-07-04 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSMdDU341JE **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. The [Value Score](https://triangleip.com/tip-tool-terminology/) helps you (and your team) quickly assess how important or strategic an idea is to your business and how likely it is to get a patent. Think of it like asking: “If we could only file a few patents this quarter, should this idea make the cut?” ## What Does the Value Score Represent? Value can mean different things in different organizations. For some, it might be about product impact. For others, it could be about competitive advantage or licensing potential. Here are a few common factors companies use: - Strategic fit with product roadmap - Revenue or market impact - Value in blocking competitors - Observability - will infringement be easy to detect? - Cross-functional impact across business lines - Breadth or potential to spawn multiple filings To land on a score you need to calculate it. Unless you are already using an internal idea scoring system, you could use our [Idea Evaluation Matrix](https://triangleip.com/idea-evaluation-matrix/), which helps you score ideas on a 0–100 scale across six key factors namely - **Value in Market, Core to Business, Commercialization Plans, Observability, Patentability Likelihood, Enforceability**. You can also easily customize it to fit your scoring criterion. ## Who Should Enter the Value Score? - **Inventors or submitters** can enter a first estimate. - **Managers or patent committees** may review and adjust the score during evaluation. **Remember**: Every idea is valuable to its creator - but this score helps filter based on business priorities and budget constraints. ## How to Set Value Field in the TIP Tool™ 1. While adding or editing an idea, scroll to the **“Value”** field. 2. Enter a number from **0 to 10** based on how important you believe the idea is or a score you calculated on matrix. 3. You can revise the score later as more information becomes available. ## When Does the Value Field Help? - During quarterly IP planning - When you have a limited filing budget - For portfolio review and pruning - When filtering for quick wins or high-impact patents ## Related Resources - Download: [Idea Evaluation Matrix](https://triangleip.com/idea-evaluation-matrix/) → - Blog: [How to Select High-Value Ideas for Patent Filing](https://triangleip.com/patentability-assessment-questions-for-selecting-ideas/) → --- # Workflow Stages and Workflow Process Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/workflow-stages-and-process/ Category: Idea Manager Last updated: 2021-12-07 **Workflow Stages:** The 4 workflow stages that you in the Idea Manager tab of the TIP tool is as follows: **Idea Capture**: First stage is the Idea Capture phase. This is the initial idea capturing stage, where all your ideas are created, saved and published. After publishing, other collaborators can refine the idea form and add more details **Internal Vetting**: Once your ideas are added, then comes your vetting stage where evaluation of your ideas happen. You might have an internal process for review within the enterprise, wherein you have discussions with other stakeholders or decide whether or not to pursue filing. The ideas in this stage would fall under Internal Vetting. **Patent Drafting**: Once you decide upon applying for a patent application for your idea, one or more of your ideas is moved into a filing for the drafting stage. Here, ideally the prosecutor drafts your patent application and the to and fro communication on draft and its revisions may happen. You can also define the coverage of the idea or ideas being filed in this column. For example, which of the ideas are fully captured, briefly captured or captured in only claims **Filed**: Once the application is filed at the PTO, and it has an official patent application number and filing date, you can add those details and move the filing to the ‘Filed’ stage Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDreR2bYgcE **Workflow Process:** Once your ideas are added into Triangle IP's Idea Manager tool, the tool offers a simple drag and drop feature to move your ideas across various stages of your workflow. As explained above, there are 4 stages: Idea Capture, Internal vetting or evaluation, patent drafting stage and the Filed application stage. To move an idea, you can simply drag an idea from one phase of the workflow to the other. Once your idea is ready for drafting, move it to the Patent Drafting column to create a filing. If your filing is a combination of 2 or more ideas, simply drop those multiple ideas in the Patent Drafting box, and then click on 'Create Filing'. You can then update the details of the combination filing, such as Idea number, docket number, title etcetera and click on Create Filing. It will be moved to the Patent Drafting column. In case you don't provide your own idea number, the system will provide the new draft filing with a system generated idea number. Once filed, you can move the draft filing from Patent Drafting to Filed column. Simply drag and drop the drafting shell to the Filed column. And enter details such as serial number and filing date, and click on Move. Your filing will be moved. The ideas can also be moved in a similar manner backwards in a workflow, if there are any updates in the decision of an idea. However, the movement of ideas or filings forward or backwards can be done only by a Manager or a prosecutor, and not by an inventor. This is done to ensure that a person with proper decision making authority is able to move the ideas within the workflow. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7uHHEJ7ihY --- # Family Tree Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/family-tree/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2023-05-26 A patent family is a group of patent applications and patents with interrelating priority claims. A priority claim allows a later-filed application to use the filing date of an earlier-filed application to determine how it relates to prior art references. To understand which applications are part of the patent family, you must understand the different types of claims that a patent application can contain. In the U.S., a patent application can claim the priority of an earlier-filed patent application that was still pending as of the filing date of the later-filed application. The priority claims that can create a patent family include continuation applications, Continuation-In-Part applications, Divisional applications, Non-Provisional Applications Based on Provisional Applications, and U.S. National Stage Applications Based on International or Foreign Applications. Patent family trees provide a visual representation of a patent family. Like a genealogical family tree, a patent family tree allows a viewer to quickly identify the relationships between related patents and patent applications. A family tree gives a prosecutor information that helps him/her plan, prepare and prosecute the patent application. The TIP Tool gathers information from USPTO and EPO to provide an exhaustive list of INPADOC family members. The TIP Tool provides two different visualizations of the family tree of a patent application. It shows a direct relationship between the subject application and its patent and child, as well as indirect relationships as well. The indirect relationships include the same application filed in different countries (hence having a common priority) or siblings of a direct parent (to which the subject application may not be claiming direct priority from, but cover similar technical content). The visualization of family trees is available in 2 forms in the TIP tool: 1. **Traditional Patent Family Tree Visualization** In one form, the patent family tree looks like a genealogical family tree. Each box in the family tree represents a separate patent or patent application. The boxes are placed on a horizontal time scale that shows each application’s filing date. The earliest-filed family members, usually the parents, sit at the top of the tree. The children sit below those applications with lines showing familial relationships. So, in the example family tree below, the subject application (shown in green) has two parents, two children in the U.S., and two foreign children. When you open an application in the Portfolio Manager, click on Family Tree on the top right hand side of the screen and the traditional family tree will open. The family tree has an option to view the non-US applications (referred to as Extended family) or only the US applications in the tree. Toggle this button as per your preference. The legend below defines the relationship between 2 applications. To identify a relationship only between 2 applications of a family, you can select these applications as ‘Source Application’ and ‘Target Application’. When you select on a particular application on the family tree, the right hand side panel also provides further details on bibliographic information of the selected application. Further, the user can download the patent PDF and also has access to deep links of the application at various public PTOs such as USPTO, EPO etc. 1. **Gantt Family Tree Visualization** In the Gantt family tree, each patent application is shown as a bar. The horizontal axis represents time. The location and length of the bar for each patent application represent its filing date and expiration date or anticipated expiration date. A Gantt chart can use different colors to identify different stages in a patent application’s life. For example, a bar can include a green segment for the pendency of the patent application and a blue segment for the term of the issued patent. This type of visualization allows you to quickly identify the pendency of each application and determine which family members were filed during that time to create a valid priority claim. This type of visualization also quickly illustrates the expiration of each patent in the family. **Adding family members to an existing family tree** The TIP tool provides the list of family members based on the data sourced from USPTO and EPO. However, if you see a family member missing in the tree, the user has an option to manually add a family member. To add a family member, click on ‘Add Family Members’ A window will pop up. The user can add the parent continuity data (with respect to the subject application) and/or the child continuity data. Add details such as application number, filing date and continuity type. Click on Save. The application(s) will start reflecting in the family tree. Similarly, the manually added applications can also be removed from the family tree. --- # How Can I Switch Between The Separate And Combined Views of US And International Applications In The Portfolio Manager? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-can-i-switch-between-the-separate-and-combined-views-of-us-and-international-applications-in-the-portfolio-manager/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2026-09-18 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query. Pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: [New Update in TIP Tool™: Combine US & International Patents into One View #globalpatents #legaltech](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w3HZjOWuL8) **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Until now, the Portfolio Manager kept US filings and international filings in two separate tabs. Getting a consolidated view of all your applications meant switching between them. The TIP Tool™ now lets you choose. A new setting in the Admin Panel lets you combine US and international applications into a single Applications tab. This article covers how to set the consolidated view and what it gives you. **Note:** Only the owner and the Admin can change the combined application view setting in Portfolio Manager. ## How to Set the Combined View of Patent Applications in the Portfolio Manager? **Step 1:** Click on your Profile and choose the **Admin Panel** option. **Step 2:** From the left-side panel, select the **Portfolio Manage**r option. **Step 3:** Choose the Organization and the Portfolio from the dropdowns at the top right. The combined view applies to whichever portfolio you choose here. **Step 4:** Turn off the **Show US applications in a separate tab** toggle. Return to the Portfolio Manager to see the combined view. **Note:** To view US applications and international applications under separate tabs, turn on the Show US applications in a separate tab toggle. ## What Changes You’ll See in The Combined View of Portfolio Manager? Turning the toggle off changes two things at once. US and international filings move into a single list, and the graphs above it now have two panels, Overview and By Country. Here is what each part looks like. ### 1. Combined Overview The Overview panel of the carousel holds two charts side by side. - Status Overview - Filing trend **Status Overview** The first is a donut chart showing the status of your whole portfolio. It covers Patented, Pending, Abandoned, and Expired. **Filing Trend** The second chart in the Overview panel is Filing Over the Years. It plots your filing activity across every year in the portfolio, stacked by country. A switch at the top right gives you two ways to read it: - **Per Year** shows what you filed in each year - **Cumulative** shows the total number of applications filed up to that year Both charts in the Overview panel have a clickable legend. Clicking an item removes it from the chart, and the figures recalculate for the selected items. Click the same item again to bring it back. ### 2. By Country: Word Cloud and Bar Graph The By Country panel shows how many applications you hold in each country, split by status. A switch at the top right lets you view that as a word cloud or a bar graph. **WordCloud** Word Cloud sizes each country name by the number of applications you hold there. A table sits beside the word cloud, listing all the countries with their total number of applications. This table is visible by default. Click **Hide Table** to view the word cloud at full width. To exclude a country from the word cloud, disable that country's toggle in the table. **Bar Graph** Bar Graph shows the number of patent applications as stacked columns, running from your largest jurisdiction down to your smallest. Each column is coloured by status, with the country total displayed above it. Both views let you narrow the graph by status. The word cloud uses checkboxes below the chart, and the bar graph uses a clickable legend. ### 3. Applications Tab Every filing now sits in one **Applications** tab. The count in the heading covers US and international filings together. You can use the Flags and the Country column to tell jurisdictions apart quickly. ## When To Select The Combined View? The combined view tends to work best when: - You want a single count of everything on file. - You need to compare filing activity across jurisdictions in one place. In the TIP Tool™, both views stay available, so you can switch back whenever your needs change. --- # How Real-time Collaboration Happens in Portfolio Manager? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-real-time-collaboration-happens-in-portfolio-manager/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8DC3f-_XUw **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Real-time collaboration is a core strength of the TIP Tool™, enabling legal, technical, and business teams to work together on patent applications with transparency and speed. With synchronized access to prosecution records, summary fields, value scores, and supporting documents, teams can move faster without relying on fragmented communication or offline coordination. This article explains where real-time collaboration happens within the Portfolio Manager, who can participate, and what kinds of live interactions are supported. ## Where Real-Time Collaboration Happens Real-time collaboration is available throughout all stages of the TIP Tool™—including Capture, Search, and Drafting. While the types of fields and collaborative goals vary by stage, the ability to work together in real time remains consistent. At this point, multiple authorized users can view and edit information simultaneously. Key collaborative areas include: - **Editable Fields within the Application Record:** - **Docket Number** Example: A Prosecutor receives the docket number from outside counsel and enters it into the system. - **Patented Status** Example: An Admin confirms grant status and flags the application as patented for reporting. - **Value (Score out of 10)** Example: A Manager assigns a value score of 8 to reflect commercial potential. - **Patent Counsel, Art Unit, Examiner Details** Example: A Prosecutor updates the Art Unit and Examiner after receiving updated USPTO data. - **Document Uploads and Supporting PDFs:** Users can upload Office Actions, filing receipts, bibliographic summaries, or other prosecution documents. - **Summary and Inline Notes:** Edits to the application summary field can be made to reflect claim scope, examiner communications, or commercialization plans. These notes serve as collaborative context shared across the team. - **Comments: ** Each application has a comment thread, accessible via the top bar. Users can leave comments on patent applications to facilitate collaboration and capture internal discussion. ## Who All Can Collaborate? The following roles can collaborate in the Portfolio Manager (based on access level and stage): | **Role** | **Collaboration Capabilities** | | --- | --- | | **Admin** | Full access to all records, can edit or comment anywhere | | **Manager** | Can edit or comment on all applications within the portfolio | | **Prosecutor** | Can collaborate once the application enters a filing stage | | **Inventor** | May view or comment if added to the portfolio/application | ## How to Collaborate in Real-Time 1. Open any **pending application** from Portfolio Manager 2. Ensure your user role has **edit access** 3. You’ll see the option to edit the fields, as each field has a person icon indicating that the fields are editable. 4. At the top bar, you’ll also see a comments option. 5. Begin commenting, or editing changes are reflected live (and the authorised person be it admin or manager will be updated with notifications that all changes are made). 6. All updates are saved in the system, and version conflicts are avoided. --- # How to Add Foreign Patent Applications in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-add-foreign-patent-applications-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2026-06-26 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPbWPxBgA_U **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the complete written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. A user recently asked why PCT-style numbers weren’t accepted, prompting this quick guide on the correct way to add foreign applications in the TIP Tool™. Before we get into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why adding foreign filings is essential. ## Why Add Foreign Applications in the TIP Tool™? Many organizations file patents in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., EP, CN, JP, IN) as part of their global IP strategy. To support this, the TIP Tool™ allows you to bring foreign applications into your portfolio so that all filings — U.S. and international — can be tracked in one unified workspace. Adding foreign filings helps you: - Maintain a complete global patent family for each invention - Track prosecution statuses across jurisdictions - Use centralized analytics, tagging, and workflow management - Avoid missing critical foreign deadlines or losing visibility There are two ways to add foreign applications, depending on whether a U.S. counterpart exists. ## How to Add Foreign Patent Applications (Step-by-Step) Below is a clear breakdown of both methods so you can follow the one that matches whether your foreign filing is linked to a U.S. case or needs to be added manually. ### Option 1: Auto-Sync via a Related U.S. Case (If Available) If your foreign case belongs to a U.S. patent family: **Step 1:** Add the U.S. application in the TIP Tool™ by entering it through the Portfolio Manager. **Step 2:** Once the U.S. case is added, the TIP Tool™ automatically pulls in the related PCT and foreign family members from Espacenet. This is the fastest method because the system automatically imports the foreign cases, with no extra steps on your part. ### Option 2: Add Foreign Applications Using Bulk Import If the foreign filing is not linked to any U.S. application, or you want manual control, use the Bulk Import feature. Here’s how: **Step 1:** First, select the portfolio where the foreign applications should be added. Then, from the navigation bar, click on Portfolio Manager. **Step 2:** Then click the blue “Add Applications” button in the top-right corner. A pop-up will appear with options for adding new applications. **Step 3:** Select “Bulk Import” **Step 4:** There, you will see a blue “Excel File” text. Click and download the Excel file Template. You’ll get a standardized Excel sheet with columns like:. - Application Number - Title - Summary - Filing Date - Publication Number - Status - Patent Number - Tags - Inventor - **Foreign Case (Yes/No)** - Hard Tags **Step 5:** Enter all details for your applications. Mandatory fields will be highlighted in **red**. If it’s a foreign case, you can put ‘yes’ or 'no’. Fill in all required information carefully. **Step 6:** Save and upload this filled Excel file. And to do so, you need to return to the same pop-up and upload the filled template. **Step 7:** Once uploaded: - The system will process all entries - Foreign applications will appear under the **“**Foreign Applications**”** tab in your Portfolio Manager Note: It may take a few minutes for the applications to reflect. ## What Happens After Adding Foreign Applications? Once added, foreign filings: - Appear in your Foreign Applications tab and become fully searchable and filterable - Can be tagged, scored, grouped, and analyzed - Participate in family-tree visualization - Can be included in portfolio exports or strategy reviews This ensures your global IP assets stay organized and visible across teams and portfolios. ## Common Use Cases ### 1. Managing Large Foreign Patent Families When a single invention results in multiple foreign filings, capturing all those national-phase entries can become tedious if done one by one. Bulk Import allows you to load all foreign counterparts in a single upload, ensuring the entire family is captured accurately and quickly. **Benefit:** Saves significant time and reduces manual effort when managing multi-country patent families. ### 2. Global Patent Strategy Reviews Having all foreign filings displayed together enables teams to review prosecution progress across different regions. This broader visibility supports informed decisions around continuation filings, resource allocation, and whether certain jurisdictions should be prioritized or deprioritized. **Benefit:** Helps managers make strategic decisions about continuation, renewal, budget allocation, and abandonment across jurisdictions. ### 3. Unified Portfolio Reporting Foreign applications automatically become part of your overall portfolio data. Whenever you export your portfolio for reporting or analysis, U.S. and foreign filings are included together without needing to merge multiple sources. **Benefit:** Ensures complete, consistent, and comprehensive reporting across all jurisdictions in a single export. --- # How to Add International Patent Applications to Portfolio Manager within the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-add-international-patent-applications-to-portfolio-manager-within-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2026-09-09 Managing a global patent portfolio requires visibility into all your filings, not just US applications. That’s why the TIP Tool™ Portfolio Manager now allows you to add and track international patent applications from jurisdictions worldwide, including Mexico, Europe (EPO), Canada, Australia, Japan, China, and many others. We offer two ways to help you understand the solution pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: [How to Add International Applications in TIP Tool? #InternationalPatents #ForgienPatentApplications](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jbbghcnglk) **Prefer to read?** This guide walks you through adding international applications, handling format validation, and managing applications that require manual intervention. ### Adding International Applications via Auto-Sync This is the fastest way to add international applications. The system automatically fetches application details from the European Patent Office (EPO) database. **Step 1:** Go to the Portfolio Manager from the navigation bar at the top. You will land on your portfolio dashboard. Now click on the **Add Applications** button in the top-right corner. **Step 2:** In the Add Applications Modal, click on **International Applications.** Type or paste each international application number into the input field. Press Enter after each number to add it as a tag. You can add multiple applications at once. Once you click on **Submit**, the modal automatically switches to the Upload Progress tab, showing: "Upload in progress. You can close this window After the processing completes, a green notification appears in the top-right corner **Step3:** Scroll down and click on the **International Applications** tab to view the patent applications. You'll see a table listing all added applications with details: - Country flag - Application No. Clickable link to the application - Title - Status showing Pending, Patented, Abandoned - Country - Filing Date - Tags - Refreshed date - Patent Family Members data Click on the **Show US Applications** button to view the US patents in the International Applications tab. The Portfolio Manager Graphs section updates automatically, showing a bar chart of applications by country and colour-coded based on the patent application status. You can also explore the data in a word cloud view. Hover over any country name to see the total number of applications, along with the counts for patented, abandoned, pending, and expired applications. **Step 4:** Click the **Sync Cases** button to refresh data for all international applications. The system re-fetches the latest data from the EPO for all applications in the list. **NOTE: ** The Applications Not Synced tab serves as a holding area for newly filed applications that you want to track in the Portfolio Manager before they become available in the EPO database. Applications are moved to this tab when: 1. The entered application number is incomplete or does not yet match a valid record in the EPO database. 2. You have partial filing details and want to add what you know now, then update and sync once the full record is available in the patent office. 3. When this happens, a notification appears stating that the application has been moved to the not synced section. Applications in this section display limited metadata including Idea Number, Serial Number, Created/Added date, and Last Modified date. They can be managed by: Retrying the sync once the application is published in the patent office; manually editing to update details as more information becomes available; or linking to an idea in the Idea Manager to keep your portfolio organised. ### Adding international Applications Manually If an application number doesn't match the expected format (e.g., too short, missing digits, or non-standard prefix), the system prompts you to add it manually. In the form, it is mandatory to enter the Publication Number, Country, and the Filing Date. Optionally, you can also include the Google Patents Links and the eSpaceNetLink. Manually added international applications appear in the International Applications tab alongside auto-synced applications. However, because they were not fetched from EPO, some fields may show limited data initially. --- # How to Conduct Advanced Search for Patents/Patent Applications within the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-conduct-advanced-search-for-patents-patent-applications-within-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bOuW2HxaBo **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. As your patent portfolio grows, finding the right information quickly becomes essential. Whether you’re preparing reports, searching for applications with a specific tag, or generating a filtered export, **Advanced Search** and **Edit Columns** features in the **Portfolio Manager** make it easier to navigate and customize your view. This guide walks you through: - What each feature does - When to use them - How they help you streamline IP management inside the TIP Tool™ ### What Is Advanced Search? The **Advanced Search** in the Portfolio Manager allows you to **filter and find applications** using multiple custom fields. #### What You Can Search By - Title - Summary/Abstract - Application Number - App Type - Law Firm Name - Inventor Name - Publication Number - Patent Number - Tags - Docket No - Examiner Name - Status - Group Art Unit - Docket Status - Docket Record - Select Date - Issue Date - Filing Date It goes beyond the basic search bar by allowing users to apply combinational filters—much like using advanced Excel filters on a large dataset. For example, you can select specific combinations such as “Law Firm Name” and “Inventor Name” to view all applications filed by a particular inventor within a given law firm. These combinations can be customized without requiring the inclusion of all fields in the advanced search form. #### When to Use Advanced Search - You need to locate all filings tagged with a specific technology area, date of publication or other value. - You want to generate a filtered export (e.g., only active filings in the U.S.) - You’re preparing a report and want to view applications by status or filing date range ### How to Customize the Display of Patent Application Data in the Portfolio Manager? The **Edit Columns** feature lets you **choose which data fields are visible** on your Portfolio Manager screen. You can declutter the interface and tailor it to your reporting or privacy needs. #### How to Use It 1. In Portfolio Manager, click on **“Edit Columns”** at the top right of the table where all patent applications are listed 2. You’ll see a drop down 3. Check or uncheck the fields you want to display - Example fields: Application number, title, tags, filing date, docket number 4. Click **Apply** to update the view 🛈 The columns you choose will be reflected when you export the data as well. #### When to Use Edit Columns - You’re preparing a report and need only specific fields - You want to hide internal-use-only fields before sharing screenshots - You want to **customize your export** to include only key information ### How Advanced Search + Edit Columns Work Together When used together, these features help you: - Isolate the exact records you need - Format the view for your audience (internal teams, external counsel, executives) - Create exports with only relevant data For example: “You can search for applications tagged ‘AI + India,’ hide all non required columns such as tags, art units, examiner analysis or any other and then export that view — clean and ready to share.” --- # How to Customize the Application Timeline in TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-customize-the-application-timeline-in-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmZIPxWU-JQ **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. The **Application Timeline** in the TIP Tool™ offers a visual overview of key prosecution events across each patent application’s lifecycle. Whether you’re tracking filing dates, office actions, interviews, or allowances, the timeline helps you see the big picture — and zoom into the details that matter. To accommodate different workflows and user needs, the TIP Tool™ allows you to **customize the timeline view** — showing either a simplified version or a full, event-rich progression. You can also customize your view by adding filters to view specific types of events. You can also, zoom in and out into the timeline based on the time duration you are considering and even access linked documents with a single click. Let’s walk through how to access, customize, and use this feature effectively. ### What Is the Application Timeline? The Application Timeline is a chronological visualization of prosecution activity for a specific patent filing. It includes key milestones such as: - **Application Filed** - **Office Actions (Non-Final & Final)** - **Interviews with Examiners** - **Amendments & Responses** - **Notice of Allowance** - **Patent Issuance or Abandonment** Each event is plotted as a node on the timeline and linked to the actual document where available. ### Where to Find It #### Step 1: Go to Portfolio Manager From the main dashboard of the TIP Tool™, navigate to the **Portfolio Manager**. #### Step 2: Select an Idea or Filing Choose an idea or filed application that has moved into the USPTO review process. #### Step 3: Open the Application Timeline Scroll to the **Application Timeline** section and click to expand it. ### Choosing the Timeline View The TIP Tool™ offers **three different timeline modes**: #### 1. Default Timeline Shows only key prosecution events for quick review: - Filing - Office Actions - Interviews - Notice of Allowance - Final Decision (e.g., issuance or abandonment) Best for high-level overviews and business reporting. #### 2. Full Timeline Displays **all** prosecution events tracked by the USPTO or imported via the tool. Ideal for patent professionals who want complete visibility into the history of a case. “Sometimes you want to look at every little thing.” #### 3. Custom Timeline You choose which events to display using a filter panel. This mode is ideal when you're focused on specific stages or event types (e.g., final rejections or appeal brief submissions). ### How to Customize the Timeline #### Step 1: Choose “Custom Timeline” - Inside the timeline view, select the **Custom** option. #### Step 2: Filter by Event Codes - A panel will appear with checkboxes for various event codes. - Select the events you wish to include in the timeline (e.g., only notices of allowance and interviews). - The timeline will instantly update to reflect your selection. #### Step 3: View Documents - Click on any event node to view or download the related **PDF document** (e.g., Office Action, Amendment). ### Zooming In and Out TIP Tool™ provides an intuitive zoom function so you can focus on specific phases in the prosecution lifecycle. - Use your **mouse scroll wheel** to zoom in or out - If you're using a trackpad, use **pinch-to-zoom** ### Why Customization Matters Not all users need the same level of detail. - **Legal teams** may want the full picture, including amendments and appeal filings - **Executives and managers** may prefer only high-level events like filing, office actions, and final decisions - **Paralegals and docketing teams** may want to customize timelines for reporting and alerts Customizing your view improves focus, saves time, and ensures you’re only seeing what’s relevant to your role. ### Security & Accuracy - All timeline data is pulled from **public patent prosecution records** - Documents are stored securely within the TIP Tool™ - No data is lost — even when you customize your view **Pro Tips** -Use **Default View** for quick decision-making in team meetings -Switch to **Full View** when auditing a case for appeal, continuation, or IDS reviewUse **Custom View** to create role-specific snapshots (e.g., “show only final rejections and appeals”) -All views are available per user — switching views doesn’t affect other team members --- # How to Download a Patent Application PDF? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-download-a-patent-application-pdf/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-07 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSLP1fR03yg **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. When managing a patent portfolio, quick access to official documents such as office actions, amendments, and granted patents is essential. The TIP Tool™ simplifies this by allowing you to **download prosecution documents directly from the Application details** within the **Portfolio Manager**. This guide explains where to find application documents, how to download them, and what to do if a PDF is missing. ### Where to Access Application PDFs Patent application documents in the TIP Tool™ are available through the **Application Timeline**, which syncs directly with the **USPTO Patent Center (formerly Private PAIR)**. To locate and download a document: 1. Go to **Portfolio Manager** 2. Select the **filed application** you want to review 3. Scroll down to the **“Patent Application PDF”** or **“Application Timeline”** section 4. You can download the pdf from there or if you are on timeline then expand the timeline 5. Click on any **event node** (e.g., “Office Action,” “Filing Receipt,” “Amendment”) 6. A link to the **official USPTO PDF** will appear 7. Click the link to open or download the file ### Types of Documents Available You can download: - Office Action notices (non-final/final) - Filing receipts - Amendments and responses - Notice of Allowance - Appeal briefs - Granted patent PDFs 🛈 **All documents reflect the official version pulled from the USPTO.** The TIP Tool™ doesn’t alter content or formatting. ### What If the PDF Isn’t There? There may be cases where a PDF link doesn’t appear in the timeline. This typically happens when: - The application is **unpublished** and not synced via Private PAIR - The USPTO hasn't yet uploaded the document - The application is still **in draft or pre-filing** stages (i.e., not yet submitted) #### What You Can Do: - Make sure the application is synced successfully - Provide **Private PAIR credentials** (if unpublished) to enable secure retrieval - If the application was just filed, wait 1–2 business days for the document to appear in the PTO system --- # How to Fetch AI Summary for US Patent Applications in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-fetch-ai-summary-for-us-patent-applications-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2026-03-17 We offer two ways to help you understand how the AI Summary generation feature works — pick whichever suits you best: **Prefer to watch? **Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you how AI-generated summaries are fetched and managed. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2bew3RPfec **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and step-by-step explanations. ## What exactly is this AI Summary Feature in the TIP Tool™? The **AI Summary** feature in the TIP Tool™ allows users to quickly generate a concise, structured summary of U.S. patent applications. The summary is created using AI-powered analysis of the application’s claims, ensuring it accurately reflects **the scope of the filing.** With a one-click fetch inside the application, users can generate a summary **based on the latest claims, rather than relying on the original abstract** The generated summary remains fully editable and replaceable, giving users complete control while benefiting from AI assistance. **Note: **This feature is available only for U.S. applications and requires a filed application PDF to be uploaded. ## How to Fetch an AI- Summary (Step-by-Step) **Step 1:** Navigate to the **Portfolio Manager** and open a **U.S. patent application**. **Step 2:** Scroll down. The **AI Summary button** is visible within the application view only when a PDF of a filed patent application is available. **Step 3:** Click on AI Summary. **Step 4:** Once clicked, **a notification** confirms the summary is being generated. You can continue using the TIP Tool™ while the process runs. **Step 4:** Reopen the application once the summary generation is complete. A pop-up will appear showing the AI summary and prompting you to confirm whether you want to keep it. **Step 5:** Click **Replace Existing Summary** to save the new AI summary content to the application. **Step 6:** At any time, users can manually update or remove the summary by clicking the **Update** button **Note: **The system may generate AI summaries in the background so they are often available immediately when users open an application**.** ## Why This Feature Matters Patent applications often evolve during prosecution. Claims may be amended, new claims may be added, and others may be removed as the application progresses. As these changes occur, the scope of the invention can shift over time. However, the abstract is typically written at the time of filing and often remains unchanged throughout the lifecycle of the application. In many cases, this means the abstract may no longer accurately reflect the current scope of the claims. The AI Summary feature addresses this by generating a summary based on the latest available claims. This helps ensure that the summary shown in Portfolio Manager reflects the application’s current scope rather than relying on an abstract that may be outdated. As a result, users reviewing applications can rely on a summary that stays aligned with how the claims evolve during prosecution, while still retaining the ability to edit or replace the summary when needed. --- # How to Import Your Patent Applications from Private PAIR into the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-import-your-patent-applications-from-private-pair-into-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-06-09 The TIP Tool™ allows you to import your unpublished patent applications at the USPTO (i.e., confidential filings not yet made public) via **Private PAIR**. These applications, once imported, become part of your **Portfolio Manager**, enabling centralized tracking and prosecution management. ## Who Can Use This Feature? Only users with the appropriate access credentials (typically Admins or Patent Prosecutors) can import private filings from USPTO’s Private PAIR using secure authentication. ## What Is Required? To import unpublished filings from Private PAIR, the user must: - Be authorized to access the application under the associated USPTO **Customer Number** - Provide valid **Private PAIR credentials**, including: - USPTO username (registered practitioner) - Two-factor authentication (2FA) token or authenticator seed **Note:** The TIP Tool™ does not store Private PAIR credentials unless explicitly requested. By default, credentials are used only for the active session and discarded immediately after syncing. ## Step-by-Step: Importing Applications from Private PAIR To import unpublished U.S. patent applications securely from the USPTO’s Private PAIR into the **TIP Tool™**, follow these steps: 1. From the main dashboard of the TIP Tool™, go to the **Portfolio Manager** tab. 2. Click on **Add Applications**. This opens a dialog box for manual entry of application numbers. 3. Input one or more **U.S. application numbers**, each on a new line. Ensure the numbers are typed correctly, including any required formatting (e.g., 17/123,456). 4. Select **Import Data from Private PAIR**. 5. Provide **Private PAIR Credentials.** Enter the **USPTO registered practitioner username.** Provide the **two-factor authentication (2FA)** key (authenticator seed or code) 6. Click **Submit.** The TIP Tool™ will initiate a one-time, secure session to access the USPTO's Private PAIR and retrieve application data. 7. Review the application upload status by clicking the button to the left of 'Add Applications'. 8. And any application that fails to sync (e.g., due to credential mismatch or lack of authorization to access the unpublished filing) will appear in the **Applications Not Synced** list. ## How Often Do Private Application Syncs Occur? Private application data is **never synced automatically**. A manual sync can be triggered at any time by an authorized user using the **“Sync Private Cases”** button. **Note:** You can run sync only once per day per application (USPTO data does not update more frequently). --- # How to Import/Export Applications in Portfolio Manager? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-import-export-applications-in-portfolio-manager/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Icm3sVw1FUY **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Managing a growing IP portfolio means handling data, often in bulk. Whether you're uploading new applications from a spreadsheet, syncing with the USPTO, or exporting your portfolio for review, the **TIP Tool™ makes it simple to add or share patent application data**. This article walks you through the available methods to **import**, **export**, and **update** applications inside the **Portfolio Manager**, with clarity on when to use which option and how to avoid formatting issues. ## Ways to Add Patent Applications/Patents ### 1. Manual Add – Best for 1–2 Applications If you only have a few applications to add: 1. You are on **Portfolio Manager** 2. Click on the **“Add Applications”** button on the top right side. 3. Enter the **application number (s)** manually (Example 12/345,678). 4. You get to select a button just below the application number field for “**Import data from Private PAIR**” to fetch all the application related information from USPTO after filing. 5. You need to enter all the Private PAIR details, and once done, agree to the terms and conditions and you can in fact choose to store these details in the browser you are currently using. 6. Click **Submit** once you have added all the required details. The system will fetch relevant details from USPTO or ESPACENET (for foreign cases). 🛈 **Use this for quick updates** — ideal when you’ve received a new filing number and need to add it right away. ### 2. Bulk Import – Best for Large Uploads When you have **10 or more (100+) applications**, it’s best to use the bulk import feature in the tool. #### Steps: 1. Ensure you are on **Portfolio Manager** 2. There are two ways to do import/export - Click on your profile icon on the top right corner and select **Export and Import** from the drop-down menu - Then you will see a pop-up like this: - Another way is directly clicking on to **Add Applications** in the portfolio manager dashboard 3. Select the **“Bulk Import”** option in the pop-up 4. Click **“Download Excel Format”** — this is the standardized template 5. Fill in: - **Application Number** - **Title** - **Summary** - **Filing Date** (e.g. MM-DD-YYYY) - **Publication Number** - **Issue Date** (e.g. MM-DD-YYYY) - **Patent Number** - **Status** - **Inventor** - **Tags** - **Foreign Case** (Yes/No) - **Hard Tags** 6. Save the Excel file 7. Upload it via the **Bulk Import** button 🛈 If done correctly, all applications will be inserted into the portfolio in one go. But if anything is missing, it won’t upload. ### 3. Auto-Sync via Private PAIR (USPTO Integration) If your law firm or patent counsel shares **weekly or monthly updates** on the patents/patent applications, you can source all that details from USPTO Private PAIR. There are ways to do it. Here’s how: - You need to click on any of the following options like “Bulk Action,” “Sync Public Cases,” and “Sync Private Cases” - For “**Bulk Action**” you need to select applications from the list for which you want fetch data from the Private PAIR. - For public cases, you click on “**Sync Public Cases**” and it will refresh the data for all the public patent applications. - For private cases, you click on the “**Sync Private Cases**” option and you will see a pop-up box where you need to confirm your Private PAIR Credentials once before syncing. Note: Just provide credentials or have updates sent to the **Triangle IP ingestion email** (check with your administrator). Learn here all about [Private PAIR Integration](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/private-pair-integration.txt) ## How to Export Applications The TIP Tool™ also supports structured exports — useful for sharing with legal teams, execs, or external partners, the status of the patent and applications in respective portfolios. #### Steps: 1. In **Portfolio Manager**, click **Export and Import** option in the profile (same as discussed above for import). You’ll see a pop-up box. 2. Choose **“Export” ** 3. Select any: - Archived Ideas - Include Portfolio Manager - Include Deleted Ideas 4. Click **Download Portfolio Report** — a downloadable Excel file will be generated. Also, you will notify on your respective email with a link for the excel file. **Tips for Successful Imports**Use the **official TIP Tool™ Excel template** onlyDon’t change column headers or add new onesAll mandatory fields (like application number) must be filledDouble-check for typos or formatting issues (e.g., serial number spacing), as any one thing missing, and it won’t upload ## Use Cases | **Scenario** | **Method to Use** | | --- | --- | | Received 1–2 new U.S. filings | Manual Add | | Migrating 50+ filings from spreadsheet | Bulk Import | | Syncing updates from law firm’s docketing system | Auto-Sync | | Sharing filings with finance or exec team | Export (customized columns) | ## Access Requirements - **Admin** and **Manager** roles can import and export applications - **Inventors** typically do not have access to Portfolio Manager imports - Access to auto-sync may require credential setup or domain-level permission ## Final Thought Whether you're onboarding a new client’s portfolio or syncing with ongoing prosecution updates, the **TIP Tool™ makes it easy to manage patent data at scale**. Use manual entry for speed, bulk import for volume, and export for insights — all from one centralized dashboard. --- # How to Read the Portfolio Manager Charts in the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-read-the-portfolio-manager-charts-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-09-09 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: Prefer to watch? Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZdwtrS7yQ0 Prefer to read? Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Managing a patent portfolio can quickly become overwhelming. Especially when you’re dealing with hundreds of applications at different stages of prosecution, across multiple examiners and law firms. That’s why the **Portfolio Manager** in the TIP Tool™ includes two powerful visualizations right at the top: - **Status Distribution Chart** - **Prosecution Efficiency Scatter Plot** Together, these charts give you a birds-eye view of your portfolio’s health and help identify where applications are stalling — so you can take informed action, fast. ## Where to Find These Charts Step 1: Log into the TIP Tool™ Step 2: Choose any portfolio from your list Step 3: Go to the **Portfolio Manager** tab Step 4: The visual graphs will load automatically at the top of the page These charts are auto-generated and updated in real-time based on the most recent data synced from the USPTO (via Private PAIR). ## Graph 1: Status Distribution Chart (Donut Chart) This chart breaks your patent portfolio into five high-level status categories: | **Status** | **Meaning** | | --- | --- | | 🟩 Patented | Applications that have been granted | | 🟨 Pending | Still under USPTO examination | | 🟥 Abandoned | Discontinued or rejected without appeal | | ⬛ Expired | Patents that have reached the end of term | **Click on any slice** to filter your portfolio and view the corresponding applications below. **Pro Tip**: This gives you a quick status snapshot across all your filings. Are too many applications getting abandoned? Are enough being granted? This chart helps answer that at a glance. ## Graph 2: Prosecution Efficiency Scatter Plot This is where things get really interesting. This 2×2 scatter plot maps every granted (or pending) U.S. application in the portfolio based on two factors: - **X-axis**: Examiner’s **average** number of rounds to grant - **Y-axis**: The **actual** number of rounds your application went through Each dot = one application Dot color = filing status (e.g., green means granted, yellow means pending, read are abandoned) ### How to Read the Chart There’s a diagonal line across the chart. It represents **parity** between your prosecution and the examiner’s average. - 🔼 **Dots above the line** = your application took more rounds than average (potential red flags) - 🔽 **Dots below the line** = your team got the grant faster than average (great performance) ### Click Any Dot to Investigate Further When you click on a dot, it automatically brings that case in the list as you scroll down to the full case record. From there, you can further open the application and review: - The examiner assigned - Argument history - Office actions - Predicted vs. actual cost - Whether the delay was due to examiner, counsel, or claim strategy ### Common Use Cases: | **What You Want to Know** | **What to Look For** | | --- | --- | | Are some applications dragging on longer than they should? | Look for pending dots above the diagonal | | Which filings had smoother prosecution than average? | Find granted dots below the diagonal | | Are your attorneys doing a good job? | Check how filings compare to examiner averages | | Is the examiner slow or strict? | Use the X-axis to assess average difficulty | ## Final Thoughts The Portfolio Manager charts are more than just data visualizations — they’re **strategic dashboards**. They help IP teams and decision-makers: - Spot patterns - Catch inefficiencies early - Allocate resources smartly - Make better filing, pruning, or continuation decisions Use them during portfolio review meetings or when reporting to R&D or executive teams. Once you get used to this two-graph interface, you’ll never go back to static spreadsheets again. --- # How to Sync Public Cases in the Portfolio Manager in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-sync-public-cases-in-the-portfolio-manager-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enLls87Qygg **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. The **TIP Tool™** provides a seamless way to keep your portfolio updated by syncing public patent application data directly from the USPTO Public PAIR database. This ensures that prosecution statuses and key details remain current without requiring users to re-enter information manually. ## When Does the TIP Tool™ Sync Public Applications? Publicly available patent applications in your portfolio can be synced: 1. **Automatically (weekly)** – All published applications are automatically synced **once per week** for paid accounts. 2. **Manually (on demand)** – You can initiate a sync at any time using the **Sync Public Cases** button, provided the application hasn't already been synced that day. **Note:** The USPTO does not update prosecution data more than once per day. Therefore, syncing more than once a day won’t yield new information. ## Step-by-Step: Manual Sync of Public Cases **Step 1**: Navigate to the **Portfolio Manager** tab where your filed applications are listed. **Step 2**: At the top right, locate and click the **“Sync Public Cases”** button. - This command triggers the TIP Tool™ to fetch the most recent status information from the USPTO Public PAIR database. - The system checks each listed application and updates prosecution metadata such as publication number, examiner details, and current status. Note: This button is active **only for applications already published** by the USPTO. ## Limitations & Edge Cases - If the application is not yet published and still available only through Private PAIR, the Sync Public Cases function will not work. - Such applications will appear under “Applications Not Synced”, until Private PAIR credentials are provided through a separate process. --- # How to Use Portfolio Manager in the TIP Tool™ to Effectively Guide Your Patent Strategy? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-portfolio-manager-in-the-tip-tool-to-effectively-guide-your-patent-strategy/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2vCxnrkRtw **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Managing a patent portfolio is no small task especially when you’re balancing dozens (maybe hundreds or even thousands) of filings across multiple jurisdictions, stages, and law firms. That’s why the **Portfolio Manager Graphs** in the TIP Tool™ are built to offer a **one-click visual snapshot** of your entire portfolio. With a single glance, you can answer key questions like: - How many of our applications have been granted? - Where are we getting stuck in prosecution? - Are certain categories moving faster than others? This article walks you through how these graphs work, what insights they provide, and how you can use them to guide your IP strategy. ## Where to Find these Graphs 1. Select a portfolio from the list 2. Open the **Portfolio Manager,** you can find it in the tabs on the top left. 3. Once you are on the **page** — the graphs appear immediately at the top. This data updates automatically based on: - Filing outcomes - Publication status - USPTO sync via Private PAIR ## How to Get a Birds-Eye View of Your Patent Portfolio Using Portfolio Manager Graphs in the TIP Tool™? Inside every portfolio, the TIP Tool™ includes a dedicated **Graphs** section. This “one-click view” provides **two key visualizations** of your patent portfolio: ### 1. Status Distribution Chart (Donut Graph) This chart breaks your portfolio into: - **Patented** - **Pending** - **Abandoned** - **Expired** - **Others** (e.g., unpublished or syncing in progress) Each slice shows the number of applications in that category, offering an immediate sense of progress and gaps. Also, by simply clicking on each slice (category type, as above in the image), you can remove or add it to the distribution. ### 2. Prosecution Efficiency Scatter Plot This graph plots all **granted applications** using: - **X-axis**: Average argument rounds - **Y-axis**: Number of rounds for a specific application This helps teams identify filings that stuck in examination for longer than expected signalling adjustments in patent prosecution strategy. ### 3. Full List of Patent/Patent Applications After reviewing the high-level graphs, you’ll find the **detailed list of patent applications and granted patents** within the same Portfolio Manager view. This list enables you to interact with individual filings—filter, search, sort, and take action—all within a single interface. This section is tightly integrated with: - Tag-based filtering - Custom column displays - Real-time USPTO updates (via sync) - And the ability to take actions on multiple entries at once ##### Application Categories and Tabs At the top of the list view, applications are automatically grouped under specific tabs, based on their jurisdiction and sync status: - **US Applications**: All U.S. filings, both published and unpublished, that have been successfully synced or added. - **Foreign Applications**: Applications filed outside the U.S. or linked to U.S. filings via patent family. - **Drafting Applications**: Pre-filing entries moved from Idea Manager to the Filing bucket. - **Applications Not Synced**: Cases that could not be matched to USPTO data due to formatting issues, lack of Private PAIR credentials, or system errors. 🛈 These tabs act as pre-set filters to simplify navigation across complex portfolios. ##### Filter Applications Using Tags Each application can carry one or more **tags**, which are used to classify filings by: - Product or platform (e.g., “Product A”) - Technology area (e.g., “AI,” “Blockchain”) - Business unit or strategy (e.g., “Core IP,” “Offensive,” “Licensable”) Users can **filter by one or more tags** to zoom in on filings related to a particular domain. ##### Advanced Search for Custom Queries The **Advanced Search** panel allows you to combine multiple filters, [check here](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-conduct-advanced-search-for-patents-patent-applications-within-the-tip-tool.txt) to learn in much detail about this filter functionality. ##### Customizing Columns in the Application Table The **Edit Columns** feature lets you control which fields are displayed. You can choose to show or hide any. Selected columns are also reflected in exports, enabling you to generate reports tailored to different clients or teams be it inventors, legal, R&D or any other. Refer to [this article](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-conduct-advanced-search-for-patents-patent-applications-within-the-tip-tool.txt) for precise information about “Edit Columns.” ## How to Analyze Patent Applications to Guide Patent Strategy in TIP Tool™? Patent applications are not just legal documents—they are business assets. Each filing represents an investment of time, money, and innovation effort. But not all filings deliver equal value. That’s why, once applications are in the system, it’s essential to regularly analyze them to ensure they align with your evolving product roadmap, market position, and IP strategy. ### Step-by-Step Strategic Review Using TIP Tool™: 1. Filter applications using **tags** (e.g., “Product B”) or **advance search** feature (discussed above) in Portfolio Manager. 2. You’ll see a list of applications with all minute details like patent number, title, status and all in multiple columns. Then you can **click onto one application at a time** to open a detailed view. And here’s what you can review: 1. **Bibliographic Details** - **What it shows**: Application number, docket number, filing date, USPTO status, and internal identifiers like the idea number. - **How to use it**: 1. Ensure metadata is complete and correct. 2. Use docket number and idea number to track internal project links. 3. Status and sub-status help determine if action is required (e.g., “abandoned” vs. “pending”). 2. **Patentability & Value Ratings** - **What it shows**: Manual ratings entered by users on a scale (typically 1–5). - **How to use it**: 1. Prioritize filings rated high in both patentability and business value. 2. Flag low-scoring applications for abandonment or reevaluation. 3. Use these ratings during review meetings or budgeting. ✅ Strategic Tip: Focus continuations or family expansion on high-patentability + high-value filings. 3. **Summary Field** - **What it shows**: Editable internal description of the invention, claim scope, or business relevance. - **How to use it**: 1. If blank, fill it in based on filing intent or claim focus. 2. Keep updated as claims evolve during prosecution. 3. Use as a quick-reference for licensing or executive review. 4. **Patent Application PDF** - **What it shows**: Link to uploaded filed application; option to upload if missing. - **How to use it**: 1. Review scope of claims or specification without leaving the platform. 2. Ensure internal teams have easy access to filled content. 3. Upload PDFs where missing to ensure completeness. 5. **Cost Details and Annuities** - **What it shows**: Cost to date and all predicted cost. - **How to use it**: 1. Assess if cost spent matches strategic value. 2. Use predicted cost to forecast future budget needs. 3. Flag cost-heavy, low-value cases for review. 6. **Prosecution Metrics (Patent Counsel and Examiner Statistics/Art Unit Statistics)** - **What it shows**: 1. Latest argument round for the selected application (e.g., 1st Office Action, Final Rejection, Notice of Allowance) 2. Total number of argument rounds completed so far 3. Assigned examiner name and art unit number 4. Examiner statistics: average allowance rate, average argument rounds, and average time to allowance 5. Art unit statistics: average allowance rate, average argument rounds, and average time to allowance - **How to use it**: 1. Identify applications facing prolonged prosecution or difficult examiners 2. Adjust claim strategy or consider continuation/divisional filings based on examiner behavior 3. Forecast time to grant using examiner/art unit averages to align with business deadlines 4. Anticipate budget impact from high-round examiners or historically slow art units 7. **Application Timeline** - **What it shows**: Chronological events (filing, office actions, amendments, NOAs, etc.) - **How to use it**: 1. Understand case history at a glance. 2. Identify unnecessary delays. 3. Use for planning or auditing law firm performance. 8. **Attorney Details** - **What it shows**: Assigned attorney’s name, contact info, and USPTO registration number. - **How to use it**: 1. Confirm the right counsel is assigned. 2. Use for direct follow-up on complex cases. 3. Add or update contact if missing. 9. **Continuity Data** - **What it shows**: Relationships to other applications (parent, continuation, divisional). - **How to use it**: 1. Plan continuation or divisional filings. 2. Spot redundant filings in the same family. 3. Evaluate whether to expand or prune a family based on business need. **Now you can make decisions like**: - Abandon, expedite, file a continuation? - Update summary to support licensing or litigation? - Re-tag or re-assign for team follow-up? ### Strategic Questions to Ask When Analyzing - Is this patent/application still aligned with our product roadmap? - Is it stuck in prosecution with an examiner known for delays? - Are we spending too much on a low-priority filing? - Does this asset support an upcoming launch, partnership, or licensing deal? - Is this the right application to file a continuation or divisional? - Should we consider abandoning or re-scoping based on cost/benefit? --- # How to View the Patent Family of an Application? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-view-the-patent-family-of-an-application/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-07 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUn49IkKTlk **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. When managing global IP rights, it's crucial to understand how a single invention evolves across jurisdictions. The TIP Tool™ simplifies this with a **Patent Family View** showing how a U.S. application relates to its foreign counterparts, continuations, divisionals, and parent filings. ### What is a Patent Family? A **patent family** is a group of related applications that share a common priority such as a continuation, divisional, or foreign filing derived from the same original invention. The TIP Tool™ automatically identifies and displays these family connections based on: - U.S. serial number relationships - International counterparts via **Espacenet** - Priority claims and filing structures ### Where to Find the Patent Family View There are two ways to see the patent families: 1. Go to **Portfolio Manager** **One way of doing it**: Spot the application whose patent families you want to view. There’s a column at the end labeled ‘Foreign Families’. 2. **Another way:** Click on the application you want to explore 3. Scroll to the **bottom** of the application page 4. Locate the **Continuity Data** where you find **Gantt Chart** view of patent families. 5. Or at the top of the Application detail page, you'll see an option for the **Family Tree**. Clicking on it will take you to the tool's patent family tree feature. **🔗 Learn more about Family Tree here:** [How to Understand Patent Families Using the TIP Tool™ Family Tree?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-understand-patent-families-using-the-tip-tools-family-tree.txt) --- # Patent Applications Intake Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/application-intake-filed-applications-apps-not-synced-upload-status/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2021-12-27 Currently, the TIP Tool offers automatic status updates of US applications. Applications can be added in the Portfolio Manager by the following ways: - **Transitioned from Idea Manager** Any filing moved to the ‘Filed’ column of the Idea Manager is automatically moved to the Portfolio Manager. If the tool was successfully able to retrieve the status of the listed applications, then they are placed under ‘Filed Applications’ list of the Portfolio Manager - **Applications directly on-boarded on the Portfolio Manager** If you have an existing portfolio that needs to be directly added to the Portfolio Manager, then simply click on the ‘Add Applications’ button on the Portfolio Manager. A window will pop open. The complete list of applications can be added here, separated by a new line. If any of the applications fall under Private PAIR, click on the corresponding option and enter the Private PAIR information. (Please note that the TIP tool does NOT store Private PAIR credential information and the scraping is done in an encrypted format). Click on Submit. The TIP tool will start scraping the applications listed and will provide the fetched details on the Portfolio Manager. The applications are then listed in one of the 2 lists as follows: If the tool was not able to find the application at the PTO, then it is placed under ‘**Applications Not Synced**’ list of the Portfolio Manager. The applications can NOT be synced because of multiple reasons. One of the reasons could be that the application number entered is incorrect or the format in which it is entered is not correct. Alternatively, if the application is unpublished i.e. the details of the application fall under Private PAIR, but the user has not entered their Private PAIR credentials, then also the application would be listed under the ‘Applications not Synced’ list. **Upload Status** The status of the applications that have been uploaded can be found under the ‘Portfolio Uploads Status’ tab. --- # What do the Options like US Applications, Foreign Applications, Drafting Applications, and Applications Not Synced mean? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/what-do-the-options-like-us-applications-foreign-applications-drafting-applications-and-applications-not-synced-mean/ Category: Patent Portfolio Manager Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r_dlhDTkhc **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. In the TIP Tool™’s **Portfolio Manager**, every application is automatically placed into a category based on its status, jurisdiction, and sync state. These categories help users quickly filter, organize, and manage different types of applications across their global patent portfolio. This article explains what each category means, when applications appear under them, and what action (if any) is needed. From the **Portfolio Manager**, scroll down to the main application listing section. Along the top, you’ll see tabs such as: - US Applications - Foreign Applications - Drafting Applications - Applications Not Synced Each tab reflects a filtered view based on the current state of those filings. ### 1. US Applications These are applications filed in the **United States**, either published or unpublished. An application will appear in this tab when: - It was added manually or via bulk import with a valid U.S. patent application number - It got added during syncing with the USPTO (via Public or Private PAIR) 🛈 If an application is unpublished, you’ll need to use Private PAIR credentials to enable syncing. See: [How to Import Your Patent Applications from Private PAIR into the TIP Tool™?](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-import-your-patent-applications-from-private-pair-into-the-tip-tool.txt) ### 2. Foreign Applications These are filings made **outside the United States**, such as in Europe, India, Japan, or other jurisdictions. An application will appear under this tab when: - It has been imported with a **foreign application number** - It is automatically linked to a U.S. case as part of a **family tree** 🛈 Full syncing of foreign prosecution data may be limited depending on the country and data source. ### 3. Drafting Applications These are applications that are in the **pre-filing phase** typically being drafted internally or by outside counsel. Applications appear here when: - **In development by in-house IP teams**: They were transitioned from the **Idea Manager** to the **Filing Bucket**, but haven’t been filed at the USPTO yet - **Being drafted by outside counsel (law firms) outside the TIP Tool™**: The TIP Tool™ is tracking the application internally as a **placeholder** while the draft is being developed outside the system. 🛈 This tab helps you collaborate with prosecutors and internal teams before the application is filed. **4. Applications Not Synced** This category contains applications that were **added to the tool** but could **not be matched or synced** with USPTO records. Applications land here if: - The application number was entered incorrectly or in the wrong format - The application is **unpublished**, and Private PAIR credentials were not provided - There was a temporary connection issue with the USPTO or the application isn't yet in their system #### To resolve issues: - Double-check the format and validity of the application number - Provide Private PAIR credentials if the filing is unpublished - Use the **Sync** button once the application has been published 🛈 Once resolved, these applications will automatically move to the correct tab (e.g., “US Applications”). These portfolio views are designed to give you **complete visibility into your pipeline** across jurisdictions, stages, and sync states. --- # Private PAIR Integration Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/private-pair-integration/ Category: USPTO Private PAIR Last updated: 2021-12-07 The patent applications that have been filed at the USPTO and not yet published can be accessed through Private PAIR. A licensed patent practitioner or sponsored support staff would have Private PAIR credentials provided by the USPTO that they can use to access the Private PAIR portal. In this section, we walk you through how to integrate the TIP tool with your PAIR data to automatically fetch details of your application and provide the latest status updates. We explain the process in two parts: 1. Configuring myUSPTO to the authenticator app (on your handheld device) 2. Configuring the TIP tool to automatically authenticate with the myUSPTO account **Configuring myUSPTO to the authenticator app (on your device)** In this tutorial we provide step-by-step instructions to configure your device with your myUSPTO account and to retrieve a 16 digit authentication key. This key is **required** to integrate your Private PAIR data with the authenticator app function in the TIP tool. To begin configuration, first download an authenticator app on your mobile device. It could be any authenticator app such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, etc. as they all can provide the two-factor authentication code for login to MyUSPTO.. Now log into MyUSPTO portal. Go to https://my.uspto.gov/ and click on ‘Log in with your USPTO.gov’ account. The sign in page will get returned. Enter your registered email address. Enter your password in the next screen. Once you enter the credentials, you would be redirected to a two-step authentication page. One can choose to receive the authentication code via 3 options: - Registered email address - Phone call at the registered number - Text message at the registered cellular number - If you also see a “Code generator (Authenticator app)” option you will need to reconfigure it to get the 16 digit authentication key during that process Choose one of the options. Once you enter the received authentication code, click on Verify to complete the login for MyUSPTO. The next step is to configure myUSPTO with the code-generating authenticator app, and to retrieve the 16 key authentication key in order to integrate the TIP tool with your PAIR data. Go to your Profile and click on ‘My Account’. Go to the ‘Code generator (Authenticator app) option and click on ‘Enable and setup’. If you have already set up an authenticator app, you need to reconfigure it again with a newly generated key. MyUSPTO will ask for your account password to proceed further. Enter your password and click ‘Continue’. The page will return you a QR code and a 16 digit authentication key. Open the downloaded authenticator app on your device and click on add an account within the app. You can then scan the provided QR code (on the myUSPTO account) into your device. Alternatively you can also enter the key manually, which is the option to reveal the 16 digit authentication key that the TIP Tool requires. Click on ‘Enter key manually’ to see the 16 digit authentication key after you have set up the authenticator app by scanning the barcode. Whichever of the 2 above mentioned processes you follow to configure the authenticator app, this 16 digit key is required to integrate the TIP tool with your PAIR data, so **COPY AND SAVE** this key. Once the user scans the code in the app or enters the key manually, the user is required to enter 2 consecutive 6 digit codes received in the authenticator app to confirm proper configuration by the myUSPTO site. Please note that the authentication codes entered should be consecutively displayed in the app otherwise the system will not complete configuration. Also, the codes get refreshed every 30 seconds, so you may have to be careful while entering the codes. Once you successfully enter the codes, the configuration will be complete and you will see a notification on the screen. **Configuring the TIP tool with the myUSPTO account** In order for the TIP tool to access your Private PAIR applications and update them with the latest information in the TIP tool, the Private PAIR Integration has to be initiated by the user. This can be done only by the Admin of the TIP portfolio. If you are an Admin of the portfolio, Go to ‘Admin Panel’, and click on the ‘Private PAIR Settings’ tab. You need to read through and agree to the terms and conditions in order to initiate the Private PAIR integration. Click on the Initiate button, and enter the TIP tool password to verify authenticity. Go to the ‘Portfolio Manager’ tab of the TIP tool to add the list of applications that may fall under the Private PAIR. Click on ‘Add applications’. An interface will open up. Enter the list of application numbers, separated by a new line. Check the box ‘Import data from Private PAIR’, and enter your myUSPTO account credentials (never stored within the TIP Tool). Enter the 16 digit authentication key. This is the same key that we had manually retrieved while setting up the code generator (authenticator app) If you wish, store the credentials in the browser, so that you don't have to enter the details again, and click on ‘Submit’. It is totally optional to store this information in your browser’s login manager. You should now be able to retrieve the status of your Private PAIR applications in your TIP account, reflecting under ‘Filed Applications’. It takes time for the scraping in the background so please be patient. In case, any of the applications were not retrieved successfully, they would start reflecting under ‘Applications Not Synced’. --- # How to Add New Users and Assign Roles in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-add-new-users-and-assign-roles-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Control Panel Last updated: 2025-09-04 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN7zJi9cf_M **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Adding users to the TIP Tool™ can be done through the **Control Panel**. Users must have an approved email domain (whitelisted) for seamless addition. Roles determine the level of access each user has within the tool. ### How to Add Users via the Control Panel **Step 1:** Click on the “**Control Panel**” from the main navigation bar. **Step 2:** Go to the “**Users**” Section to view existing users and add new ones. **Step 3:** Click on “**Add User**” and you’ll see a form where you can enter the new user’s details. **Step 4:** Enter the User’s email address. Use a valid company or firm email (e.g., jane.doe@company.com). **Note:** If the email domain has already been whitelisted, the user will be added automatically. Otherwise you first need to whitelist their domain. **Step 5:** Assign a Role. Or you can choose the appropriate role from the dropdown. | **Role** | **What It Means** | | --- | --- | | **Inventor** | Can submit and manage their own ideas. | | **Manager** | Can review, score, and manage multiple ideas across portfolios. | | **Prosecutor** | Usually outside counsel; can draft and prosecute patents. | | **Admin** | Full access, including Control Panel and domain whitelisting. | **Step 6:** Confirm Addition by clicking on **Add**. Then the user will receive an invite and will appear in the user list with their assigned role. #### Here’s How to Change or Remove Existing Roles - To **change a user’s role**, click on their name in the Users list and select a new role from the dropdown. - To **remove a user**, click the delete icon beside their role. This will revoke their access to the specific portfolio. To make this user role assignment process easy and transparent, review the **permissions matrix** directly in the **Admin Panel**. This gives you a one-click overview of: - What each role can see or do within a portfolio - Which features are accessible to Inventors, Managers, Prosecutors, and Admins Here’s an example of what the role-permissions view looks like for the selected portfolio: ### Next Up: Whitelisting Domains Whitelisting is essential to enabling smooth collaboration especially when working with external inventors, law firms, or distributed teams. To learn **why whitelisting matters** and **how to set it up correctly**, continue here: 👉[Why and How to Whitelist a Domain in the TIP Tool™ →](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/why-and-how-to-whitelist-a-domain-within-the-tip-tool.txt) --- # How to Bring in Users via Pre-Approval Link and Manage Pending User Approvals in the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-bring-in-users-via-pre-approval-link-and-manage-pending-user-approvals-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Control Panel Last updated: 2025-10-10 We offer two ways to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP6WngmIFgQ **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. ## Why Generate a Pre-Approval Link? For large organizations, manually adding users can be time-consuming and inefficient. The Pre-Approval Link generation feature simplifies onboarding by allowing users with a company email address to self-register securely. To enable this, admins must first whitelist the company’s domain (e.g., yourcompany.com), ensuring that only users with company emails can be automatically added as a user in the portfolio. ### How to Generate and Use the Pre-Approval Link (Step-by-Step) **Step 1:** Go to your profile icon at the top right on the navigation bar and select Control Panel. **Step 2:** Then open the Whitelist section on the left side menu. **Step 3:** Select the organization and portfolio where the users should be added. **Step 4**: Add your organization’s domain to the Whitelist Domain section. **Step 5:** Now, in the Whitelist section below, click Generate Pre-Approval Link to create a unique URL linked to your tenancy. Read the consideration note and you can click on proceed. **Step 5:** Copy the generated link and share it with your colleagues, inventors, or other contributors to let them join your tenancy easily. **Step 6:** Choose the Auto-Add Option (Optional) You’ll see a checkbox labeled “Automatically add whitelisted users.” - ✅ Checked: Users will be added directly to your portfolio as inventors. It allows them to submit and manage their own ideas and view only the ideas where they’re listed as inventors. - ☐ Unchecked: New users who register via the Pre-Approval Link won’t be auto-added. Instead, their joining request will appear under **User Pending Approvals**. From here, administrators can review each user before granting access to the portfolios. **Tip:** Organizations can enable auto-add for inventors while keeping manual approval for managers, admins, or counsel roles. This approval step adds an important layer of security and administrative control. It ensures that only authorized team members are onboarded, while giving admins full visibility into all new user requests. Next is how to go about managing those pending requests from users to join your portfolio. ### How to Manage Users Under User Pending Approvals(Step-by-Step Guide) **Step 1:** Go back to the Control Panel on the left side, and open the User Pending Approvals tab. **Step 2:** Review the list of pending users. Each record includes Name, Email address, Requested Date, Requested role (default: Inventor), Status and Action. **Step 3:** Now you can approve or reject users. Just click Approve to grant portfolio access or Reject to deny it. By default, everyone added this way joins as an inventor. They can submit and manage their own ideas within the TIP Tool™ and can only see ideas in which they’re listed. Meaning…initially their dashboard may look empty until they’re linked to an idea or portfolio. **Step 4**: Assign appropriate roles (Inventor, Manager, Prosecutor, or Searcher) to approved users. In fact, you can assign a specific role to the user even before approving the request. ### Common Use Cases: **1. Large-Scale Onboarding** When you are collaborating with hundreds or even thousands of inventors or engineers within an organization or outside organization, manually adding each user can become tedious. With Pre-Approval thing, Admins can simply share a single link across teams or departments — allowing users to self-register securely while still maintaining admin control. **Benefit:** Saves time and eliminates repetitive manual entries for large teams. **2. Automatic Portfolio Association** When a new user signs up using a whitelisted company email, the TIP Tool™ automatically associates that account with the correct organization and portfolio. This ensures all users are placed in the right workspace from the start — without the need for manual assignment. **Benefit:** Prevents errors and maintains consistent access across enterprise portfolios. **3. Peer-to-Peer (“Viral”) Onboarding** Existing inventors can easily share the Pre-Approval Link with colleagues from the same organization or domain. When those colleagues join using their company email, they are automatically approved and added to the correct portfolio. **Benefit:** Enables organic, secure growth of participation within innovation teams — without admin bottlenecks. **4. New-Hire Access** When new employees join the organization, they can instantly gain access to the TIP Tool™ by using the Pre-Approval Link shared during onboarding or in a welcome email. No need to wait for admin setup or manual approvals — access is immediate and secure. **Benefit:** Accelerates productivity for new team members from day one. --- # How to Import/Export Tags in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-import-export-tags-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Control Panel Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C40gCJ7PWp4 **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. **Tags** in the **TIP Tool™** are essential for organizing and managing innovation assets—from early-stage ideas to filed patent applications and issued patents. These tags serve as metadata labels that allow users to filter, sort, and track items based on categories such as product line, technology, geography, or strategic value. As ideas move through Capture, Vetting, and Filing, and eventually become patent filings in the Portfolio Manager, the tagging system remains consistent throughout the lifecycle. The **Import/Export Tags** feature allows Admins to maintain tag consistency and manage large tag dictionaries at scale. ### Why Import/Export Tags? Many enterprises already use their own internal naming conventions or tag structures to organize innovation efforts. The Import/Export functionality helps Admins to: - Bring existing tags into the TIP Tool when onboarding - Align tags with internal naming standards or business taxonomies - Clean up inconsistent or redundant tags - Apply bulk updates after mergers, acquisitions, or internal reorganizations - Standardize tags across teams or integrated portfolios Use cases for tags include: - Categorizing by product line, team, region, or ownership - Filtering for priority during portfolio reviews or filing decisions - Supporting IP audits, valuation exercises, or licensing opportunities ### Who Can Use This Feature? Only **Admins** can import or export tags. These actions are performed through the **Admin Panel** and apply to all assets (ideas and applications) within a given portfolio. ### How to Add Tags (Step-by-Step) **Step 1:** From the top navigation bar, click your profile and go to the **Admin Panel** (accessible only to Admins). **Step 2:** In the left-hand menu, scroll to and select the **“Tags”** section. **Step 3:** You will now see two ways to add tags: #### Option 1: Add Tags One by One (Manually) - You are on Admin Panel → Tags - Click “Add Tag” - Enter the tag name, types and select the relevant portfolio(s) - As per the above image this tag become part of your Hard Tag dictionary, available across the tool for selected portfolio #### Option 2: Bulk Add via Import/Export Button The Import/Export feature allows Admins to efficiently manage the tag dictionary across portfolios by reviewing, cleaning, or updating tags in bulk. ##### Exporting Tags (Step-by-Step) Use this feature to review existing tags or prepare for bulk edits. 1. You are in the Admin **Panel** → **Tags** section. 2. After clicking on import/export you need to select the **“Export”** tab. 3. A CSV/Excel file will be downloaded, containing all [hard or soft tags](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-use-tags-in-the-tip-tool-to-organize-your-ideas.txt) across your portfolio. Note: Use this file as a working document to clean up inconsistencies, remove duplicates, or align with internal naming conventions. ##### Import Tags (Step-by-Step) This feature lets Admins bulk upload new tags into the system using a template file or your exported and edited tag list : 1. You are in the **Admin Panel** → **Tags** section. 2. Click the **“Import”** tab. 3. **Download the template file** provided in the Import window. This ensures you're using the correct format required by the TIP Tool™. 4. **Enter your tags** into the Excel file. - List each tag you want to upload. - Make sure you assign them to the correct portfolios (if required by format). - You can view rules in the second sheet in the same excel file you downloaded. 5. **Upload the completed file** back into the Import tab and confirm the import. 6. Click “Import Tags” **Pro Tips**: Establish and communicate naming conventions (e.g., abbreviations, team codes, product lines). Use **Hard Tags** for structured filtering; let teams apply **Soft Tags** for flexibility. Always export your current tags before making bulk changes, especially across multiple portfolios. --- # How to Set Up a Custom Login Page for Your Organization in the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-set-up-a-custom-login-page-for-your-organization-in-the-tip-tool/ Category: Control Panel Last updated: 2026-03-31 We offer two ways to help you understand how to setup Custom Login Page in the TIP Tool™ — pick whichever suits you best: ### Prefer to watch? Start with our short walkthrough video that shows how to configure and use the custom login page. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU7p9qudLsE ### Prefer to read? Scroll down for the full written guide with step-by-step explanations. ## What Is this Custom Login Page Setting in the TIP Tool™? The **Custom Login Page** setting allows organizations to modify the login screen shown to users when accessing the TIP Tool™. Organizations can configure elements such as the **background image**, which changes how the login page appears to users. This setting is applied at the **organization level**, and the same login page is used across all portfolios within that organization. ### Why This Feature Was Introduced By default, all users see the standard TIP Tool™ login screen. The Custom Login Page allows organizations to **replace this default screen** with a login page that reflects their own setup. This is useful for organizations that want a **distinct login screen for their users**, especially when multiple users access the platform under the same organization. ## How to Set Up a Custom Login Page for Your Organization (Step-by-Step) Follow the steps below to enable and configure the custom login page. **Step 1:** Sign in to the TIP Tool™ and open the **Control Panel**. Only the **organization owner** can configure the custom login page. **Step 2:** Ensure that you are viewing the organization-level settings. As shown in the system, the custom login page option is available only at the organization level, not at the portfolio level. **Step 3:** From the left-hand menu, click on **Details**. In this section, locate the **Custom Login Page** option. - Toggle the setting to **enable** it - This will activate the custom login page for your organization **Step 4:** You need to configure the background image for your login page. For that upload the background image. This image will be displayed to users when they access the login screen. **Step 5:** Click Save to apply the changes. **Step 6:** Crop and adjust the background image as per need. Once saved, the custom login page will be active for your organization. Here’s how the background image will look on your login: ## Important Notes - The Custom Login Page is available only at the **organization level** - Portfolio-level settings **inherit** the organization configuration - Only the **organization owner** can enable or modify this setting - This feature customizes the **look and feel** of the login experience --- # Why and How to Whitelist a Domain within the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/why-and-how-to-whitelist-a-domain-within-the-tip-tool/ Category: Control Panel Last updated: 2025-07-06 We offer **two ways** to help you understand the solution to this query — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KE0xlCrUEg **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. Whitelisting a domain in the TIP Tool™ allows Admins to streamline user onboarding from trusted organizations (for instance a law firm the enterprise works with). Once a domain is whitelisted, users with email addresses from that domain can be added seamlessly through the Control Panel. This feature reduces friction in collaboration while maintaining secure access control. ### Why Whitelisting Matters **Without whitelisting:** - Users from unapproved domains require **admin approval** before being added. - Managers cannot invite or assign users from unlisted domains. - User onboarding is slowed down by manual approval requirements. **With whitelisting:** - Admins and Managers can freely add users from approved domains through the Control Panel. - Invitations are triggered automatically when users from whitelisted domains are added. - Onboarding is streamlined for recurring collaborators such as outside counsel, partner companies, or universities. ### How to Whitelist a Domain (Step-by-Step) Only **Admins** have permission to manage domain whitelists. Here’s how to do it: **Step 1:** From the top navigation bar, go to the profile icon and click on the **Control Panel** (visible only to Admins). **Step 2:** In the left-hand menu, select the **Whitelist** section. **Step 3:** Add a New Domain - Enter the domain name (e.g., mgflaw.com, partneruniversity.edu) - Once added: - Any user with an email from that domain can be added without triggering domain-related restrictions. - Invitations will be sent automatically when added from the Control Panel. ### Managing Whitelisted Domains - You can remove a domain from the whitelist at any time. - Removing a domain **does not** remove access for users who were already added. It only blocks future automatic additions from that domain. --- # How Does Patent Cost Estimation Work in the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-does-patent-cost-estimation-work-in-the-tip-tool/ Last updated: 2026-01-21 We offer two ways to understand how patent cost estimation works in the TIP Tool™. Choose what suits you best: **Prefer to watch?** Use the walkthrough video to see how patent cost estimates appear as ideas move through the patent lifecycle. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y20ThPiepmY&t=170 **Prefer to read?** Continue below for a step-by-step guide. ## What is Patent Cost Estimation in the TIP Tool™? Patent cost estimation provides an early estimate of patent-related costs so you can make informed decisions before and after filing. Instead of waiting until office actions begin, the TIP Tool™ gives you patent cost visibility upfront, helping you evaluate: - Whether an idea is worth filing - How expensive a case may become over time - How costs evolve as prosecution progresses The patent cost estimates aren’t exactly down to the dollar. Instead, they’re designed to be accurate enough to guide planning and prioritization. ## Where Does Estimated Patent Cost Appear? Patent cost estimation is available at two key stages in the TIP Tool™: 1. Before filing (in the Idea Manager) 2. After filing (in the Portfolio Manager) The sections below explain how to use both. ### A. Estimating Costs in the Idea Manager (Before Filing) Use the Idea Manager to estimate costs before committing to a patent filing. **Step 1:** Go to the Idea Manager tab **Step 2:** Add and Publish an Idea Click Add Idea, enter the title, inventor details, and invention summary, then publish the idea. Patent cost estimation begins automatically once an idea exists. **Step 3:** Open the published idea **Step 3:** You can see predicted statistics such as: - **Estimated cost** - Average argument rounds - Average allowance rate - Expected time to allowance **Tip:** More detailed summaries lead to more accurate predictions, as the system uses this information to assess prosecution complexity. **Step 4:** Within the idea view, you can also see a detailed breakdown for both provisional and non-provisional costs. **Note:** Government fee components used in patent cost estimation are accurate and kept up to date with the latest USPTO fee standards. Whenever USPTO fee structures change, the TIP Tool™ automatically updates the applicable cost values, ensuring predictions remain current. ### B. Estimating Costs in the Portfolio Manager (After Filing) Once an idea becomes a filed U.S. patent application, cost prediction continues in the Portfolio Manager. **Step 1:** Open the Portfolio Manager **Step 2:** Click on a pending U.S. patent application from the list. **Step 3:** Inside the case view, you’ll see: - Total projected cost (from filing to issuance) - Costs incurred so far - Remaining estimated costs As prosecution progresses: - Patent cost estimations update automatically - Remaining cost estimates adjust - Accuracy improves as real prosecution data becomes available ### Customizing Patent Cost Assumptions Customizing cost details ensures that the estimates you see in the TIP Tool™ reflect how you actually work with your patent counsel, making them more realistic and useful for planning and decision-making. For example, you may: - Work on flat-fee arrangements instead of hourly billing - Pay different rates for office action responses or interviews - Have negotiated pricing with preferred law firms - Qualify for USPTO fee discounts as a small or micro entity Without customization, estimates may be directionally correct but not fully aligned with your real costs. To reflect your actual counsel fees, you can update cost assumptions in the Admin Panel. **Note:** Only the Portfolio Owner can edit cost-related details. Other Admins have view-only access. **Step 1:** Go to the Admin Panel from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. **Step 2:** Click on Cost Details **Step 3:** Update Cost Values You can modify values such as: - Drafting fees - Office action fees - Interview and argument fees **Step 4:** You can also select your entity type (undiscounted, small or micro). Government fees update automatically based on this choice. These settings apply automatically across all ideas and applications. ## Why Patent Cost Estimation Matters The TIP Tool™’s cost estimation feature gives you a clear, realistic view of patent costs at every stage of the lifecycle. It uses historical data, machine-learning insights, and customizable fee assumptions. Together, these give you the clarity you need to decide what to file, continue, or stop. ### Common Use Cases **1. Early Go / No-Go Decisions** Before investing time and money into drafting and filing, teams can use early cost estimates to evaluate whether an idea is worth pursuing. By comparing predicted costs with business value and patentability, stakeholders can make informed decisions early in the process. **Benefit:** Reduces spend on low-value, high-risk, or overly expensive ideas before costs escalate. **2. Budget Planning Across Portfolios** For organizations managing multiple ideas and filings, cost estimation helps forecast total IP spend across portfolios. Portfolio managers can see projected costs for each case and roll them up to estimate quarterly or annual budgets. **Benefit:** Enables more accurate budgeting, better allocation of resources, and fewer unexpected cost overruns. **3. Identifying High-Cost Cases Early** Some cases are likely to involve longer prosecution, more office actions, or tougher examiners. Cost highlights these cases early, allowing teams to recognize where costs may increase over time. **Benefit:** Supports proactive decisions such as narrowing claim scope, reallocating budget, or discontinuing cases that no longer justify the investment. **4. Aligning Estimates with Counsel Fees** Admins can customize cost assumptions to match negotiated flat fees, preferred billing models, or firm-specific charges. This ensures that predictions reflect how the organization actually pays for patent work. **Benefit:** Keeps cost estimates realistic, consistent, and tailored to your organization’s agreements with counsel. **5. Ongoing Case Monitoring** As the prosecution progresses, teams can track costs incurred to date and view updated estimates for remaining expenses. This helps everyone stay aware of what’s coming next and how much it is likely to cost. **Benefit:** Improves visibility into future spend and supports better planning for upcoming prosecution steps. --- # How to Sign Up with Microsoft Azure SSO in the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-sign-up-with-microsoft-azure-sso-in-the-tip-tool/ Last updated: 2026-06-19 We offer two ways to help you understand how Microsoft Azure Single Sign-On (SSO) works in the TIP Tool™ — pick whichever suits you best: **Prefer to watch? **Start with our short walkthrough video that shows how to enable Microsoft Azure SSO and how users can sign in using their Microsoft account. Video: [How to Sign Up with Microsoft Azure SSO in the TIP Tool™? #legaltech #MicrosoftSSOlogin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wksFBPb5T6Q) **Prefer to read? **Scroll down for the full written guide with step-by-step explanations. ## What Is Microsoft Azure SSO in the TIP Tool™? Microsoft Azure Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to sign in to the TIP Tool™ using their **Microsoft work account**. Instead of creating and managing a separate password for the TIP Tool™, users can simply select **“Sign in with Microsoft”** on the login page and authenticate through their Microsoft account. Once an organization is linked to a verified email domain in the TIP Tool™, users whose email domains match the organization's verified domain can sign in with their existing credentials and access the platform securely. **NOTE:** Microsoft Azure SSO is available by request only. If your organisation would like to enable this feature, please contact TIP Tool™ support ## Why This Feature Was Introduced Many organizations manage employee access through **Microsoft Azure Active Directory**. This allows companies to control authentication, security policies, and user access from a single identity system. To support this type of enterprise authentication, the TIP Tool™ now integrates with **Microsoft Azure SSO**. This allows organizations to enable domain-based authentication for users accessing the TIP Tool™. By enabling Azure SSO, organizations can: - Allow users to log in using their **existing Microsoft work accounts** - Reduce the need to manage **separate passwords** - Maintain **domain-level enforcement** to ensure users authenticate through Microsoft SSO. This helps organizations simplify access management while ensuring secure authentication for users accessing the TIP Tool™. ## Sign Up Using Microsoft Azure SSO in the TIP Tool™ (Step-by-Step) To create an organization using Sign in with Microsoft, contact the [support team](https://triangleip.com/contact-us/). It is a one-time process, and once the setup is completed, the email domain used during registration is automatically verified and linked to the organization. No additional steps are required. With your organisation set up in the TIP Tool™, employees can securely sign in using their Microsoft work account, eliminating the need to manage a separate password. **Step 1:** Go to the TIP Tool™ login page and select Sign in with Microsoft. You will be prompted to authenticate using your Microsoft work account. **Step 2:** Choose the Microsoft account you want to use for authentication. Microsoft will verify your identity through Azure Single Sign-On (SSO). **Step 3:** If your email does not already exist in the TIP Tool™, you will be redirected to the signup page. On this page: - Your First Name - Email Address - Enterprise Email may be automatically filled based on your Microsoft account. These fields cannot be edited during registration, but they can be updated later in the Profile section after the account is created. Complete the remaining required fields and **click Sign Up** to create your account. **Step 4:** After completing registration, you can log in directly using Sign in with Microsoft. Authentication is handled through Microsoft Azure SSO, so you do not need to set or manage a separate password for the TIP Tool™. **Step 5:** After clicking Sign Up, a notification message will appear to verifying your email. This message indicates that your account registration has been successfully initiated**.** **Step 6:** After verification, return to the TIP Tool™ login page and click Sign in with Microsoft. Select the same Microsoft account you used during registration. **Step 7:** Then you will be required to read and accept the **Software terms of use**. Then click on **Proceed**. You will then be logged in and redirected to the **TIP Tool™ dashboard**. Organizations that register using Microsoft Azure SSO automatically have their verified domain linked to the TIP Tool™. This allows organization owners to manage SSO settings for their team. The following section explains how SSO enforcement and user management work for your organization. ## Managing Azure SSO for Your Organization ### For New Organizations When an organization is created using **Sign in with Microsoft**, the email domain used during registration is automatically verified and linked to the organization. No additional setup is required. Organization owners can manage SSO enforcement settings from the **Control Panel** > **Login Settings**. You can notice the Microsoft sub-icon in the profile icon, indicating that it is an Azure account. ### For Existing Organizations If your organization was created using the traditional registration method and you wish to enable Microsoft Azure SSO, please contact TIP Tool™ support for assistance with domain mapping. ## SSO Enforcement Settings Once your organization's domain is linked, the following settings are available in **Control Panel** > **Login Settings**: **NOTE:**The TIP Tool™ does not automatically sync users from your Azure Active Directory. When a user from your verified domain signs in for the first time, an approval request is sent to the organization owner. The owner must manually review and approve each user before they are added to the organization and assigned to portfolios. ### Verified Domains: The system displays Azure-verified domains associated with your organization in the **Whitelist Domains** section. You can enable SSO enforcement for these domains. Only Azure-verified domains can have enforcement enabled. You may add additional domains manually, but enforcement is only allowed for domains verified through Azure. **NOTE:** Manually added domains can be edited or deleted; Azure-verified domains cannotbe modified. When enforcement is enabled for a domain: - Users from that domain cannot log in using the traditional email/password method. They will see the message: "Your organization enforces Microsoft SSO for sign-up. Please sign in with Microsoft." - New users from the enforced domain will be prompted to join the existing organization instead of creating a new one. - After authenticating with Microsoft, users must accept the Terms & Conditions and complete the sign-up process. - An approval request is generated and sent to the organization owner. ## How Approval Works When a New Microsoft User Tries to Join an Existing Organization in the TIP Tool™ When a user from an enforced Microsoft domain signs in with **Microsoft Azure SSO** and does not already exist in the TIP Tool™, the system does not create a new organization for that user. Instead, the user is prompted to join the existing organization, and a request is sent to the organization owner for approval. Follow the steps below to understand how that approval process works. **Step 1:** The **organization owner** must sign in to the TIP Tool™ and open the **Control Panel**. **Step 2:** From the left-hand menu in the Control Panel, click on **User Pending Approvals**. Here, you will see two sections: - Pending Requests - Assign Portfolio to Azure SSO User **Step 3:** Understand the Two Sections - **Pending Requests:** This section is used for the existing pre-approval link workflow, where users request access to a specific portfolio. - **Assign Portfolio to Azure SSO User:** This section is used for users who sign up using Microsoft Azure SSO and are requesting to join the organization. The new Microsoft SSO user requests will appear under **Assign Portfolio to Azure SSO User**. **Step 4:** The owner can view the details of the user requesting access. Then the owner must select: - the **portfolio(s)** the user should be added to - the **role** the user should be assigned These fields allow the owner to control where the user is added and what level of access they receive. **Step 5:** After selecting the portfolio and role, the owner can: - **Approve** the request → user is added to the organization - **Reject** the request → user is not granted access Once approved, you will receive a notification about the approval status. - the user is added to the selected portfolio(s) - the assigned role is applied - the user appears in the Users list A record of the request is stored in Pending Requests for audit purposes. ### Quick Recap - If **SSO enforcement is enabled** for a domain, users must sign in using **Sign in with Microsoft** and cannot use the normal login method. - If **SSO enforcement is disabled**, users can continue using the standard login flow. New users may create their own account or organization, depending on whether they already exist in the system. --- # How to Track the Status of Your Patent Application in the TIP Tool™ Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-track-the-status-of-your-patent-application-in-the-tip-tool/ Last updated: 2026-02-06 We offer two ways to help you understand how to track the status of your patent application — pick whichever works best for you: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you exactly how it works, step by step. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj7Zm0dgz0A **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with screenshots and detailed explanations. ## How Patent Status Tracking Works in the TIP Tool™ Tracking patent status in the TIP Tool™ is a continuous process that starts once an application is added and continues throughout prosecution. The system relies on USPTO data, which is synced into the platform and reflected at both the application and portfolio levels. The steps below explain how status data enters the system, how it is updated, and how users review it. **Step 1:** After a patent application is filed, it must first be added to the TIP Tool™. You can add an application by: i) Manually entering the application number Enter the U.S. application number in the TIP Tool™. - For public cases, simply enter the application number. No additional action is required. - For private cases, select the “[Import data from Private PAIR](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-import-your-patent-applications-from-private-pair-into-the-tip-tool.txt)” option and enter your USPTO account credentials to retrieve the application data. This method pulls official prosecution information directly from the USPTO and is commonly used when adding individual U.S. applications. ii) Using [Bulk Import](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-import-export-applications-in-portfolio-manager.txt) with an Excel file. In addition to adding applications directly in Portfolio Manager, the TIP Tool™ offers a [Docketing System Sync](https://triangleip.com/ip-docketing-system-sync/#!) for importing or updating application data from external docketing systems. This feature is configured in the Control Panel and uses Excel or CSV exports from your docketing software to keep application records aligned in the TIP Tool™**.** Once the application is added, it appears in Portfolio Manager. **Step 2:** Sync the Application with the USPTO After the application is added, the TIP Tool™ retrieves official prosecution data from the USPTO. - Public applications are [synced directly using USPTO public data](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-sync-public-cases-in-the-portfolio-manager-in-the-tip-tool.txt). - Private applications require users to authenticate using [USPTO Private PAIR credentials](https://help.triangleip.com/llms-guides/how-to-import-your-patent-applications-from-private-pair-into-the-tip-tool.txt). This sync ensures that the application’s status and prosecution history in the TIP Tool™ match the official USPTO records and serves as the source of truth for status tracking. **Using Bulk Actions (Optional)** When managing multiple applications, you can use bulk actions in Portfolio Manager to sync applications, apply or update tags, and export data in a single action. This reduces manual effort and helps maintain consistent tagging, data accuracy, and reporting across large portfolios. **Step 3:** Based on the latest action recorded at the USPTO, the TIP Tool™ displays the application’s USPTO status. The Status column shows one of the following: - **Pending** - The application is under examination at the USPTO and has not yet reached a final outcome. - **Patented** - The application has been granted and issued as a patent by the USPTO. - **Abandoned** - The application is no longer active, typically due to non-response or an explicit decision to abandon. - **Expired** - The patent has reached the end of its enforceable term or lapsed due to non-payment of maintenance fees. **Additionally:** If the TIP Tool™ cannot retrieve USPTO data for an application, it appears under the “Applications Not Synced” category. This may occur if: - The application number is incorrect or improperly formatted. - The application is private and Private PAIR credentials were not provided. - The application is not yet available in the USPTO system or a temporary USPTO connection issue occurred. Once the issue is resolved and the application successfully syncs with the USPTO, it is automatically removed from this category. **Step 4:** Click on an application in Portfolio Manager to open its detailed view. Here, you can review: - USPTO status and sub-status - Filing and bibliographic details - Examiner and art unit information (if assigned) - Cost details and predicted costs This view helps determine whether any follow-up or review is required. **Step 5:** Within the application detail view, scroll to the Application Timeline section. It shows prosecution events in chronological order, including filing, office actions, responses, notices of allowance, and issuance or abandonment. This provides a complete history of how the application has progressed at the USPTO. **Step 6:** After reviewing individual applications, step back to assess the portfolio as a whole. Portfolio Manager charts summarize how many applications are pending, patented, abandoned, or expired, providing a high-level view of overall portfolio progress. ## How the TIP Tool™ Notify You For Patent Status Updates Patent status tracking continues throughout prosecution. The TIP Tool™ also sends weekly email updates highlighting status and prosecution changes across the portfolio, so stakeholders remain informed without constant manual checks. ## Common Use Cases **1. Tracking Application Progress After Filing** After an application is filed, users rely on TIP Tool™ to understand where it stands in the prosecution process. By reviewing the current USPTO status and recent updates, teams can quickly see whether an application is moving forward, awaiting action, or has reached a final outcome. **2. Reviewing Portfolio Health at a Glance** Portfolio Manager provides a high-level view of how applications are distributed across key statuses such as pending, patented, abandoned, and expired. This allows managers and IP teams to quickly assess overall portfolio progress without reviewing individual applications one by one. **3. Following Up on USPTO Actions** When the USPTO issues an office action or other prosecution event, users can open the relevant application to review the update and understand its impact. This helps determine whether follow-up with patent counsel or internal teams is required. **4. Staying Updated Without Manual Tracking** Weekly email updates summarize changes in application status and prosecution activity across the portfolio. This ensures stakeholders remain informed without needing to log into the platform regularly. **5. Supporting Strategic and Budget Decisions** By reviewing application status alongside prosecution history and cost information, teams can make informed decisions about whether to continue, pause, or discontinue filings. This supports better alignment between patent strategy, budgets, and business priorities. **6. Maintaining a Shared View Across Teams** Patent status tracking in TIP Tool™ provides a single, centralized view that can be accessed by inventors, managers, and legal teams. This shared visibility reduces reliance on emails and spreadsheets and keeps everyone aligned on the current state of each application. --- # How to Use Sponsorship (USPTO Authorization) to Sync Private Patent Applications in the Portfolio Manager within the TIP Tool™? Source: https://help.triangleip.com/knowledge-base/how-to-use-sponsorship-uspto-authorization-to-sync-private-patent-applications-in-the-portfolio-manager-within-the-tip-tool/ Last updated: 2026-03-31 We offer two ways to help you understand how the Sponsorship feature works — pick whichever suits you best: **Prefer to watch?** Start with our short walkthrough video that shows you how Sponsorship is used to securely sync private patent application data in the TIP Tool™. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3w1od5K1WA **Prefer to read?** Scroll down for the full written guide with step-by-step explanations. ## What Exactly is this Sponsorship Feature in the TIP Tool™? Some patent applications are not publicly available and can only be accessed through **USPTO Private PAIR**. The **Sponsorship** feature in the TIP Tool™ allows users to securely access private patent application data by using the **USPTO-provided authorization system** called Sponsorship. This allows users to authorize Triangle IP to access the private data connected to their USPTO customer number without sharing their USPTO credentials. Once Sponsorship is set up, the TIP Tool™ can securely sync private application data for applications that are already present in the portfolio or listed under **Applications Not Synced**. This is important because the system does **not** fetch all applications under the customer number. It only processes the applications that are already available in that portfolio context inside the TIP Tool™. ## How to Use Sponsorship (Step-by-Step) **Step 1:** Navigate to the **Portfolio Manager** and open the portfolio where the applications are present. **Note:** If private applications are already added but cannot be synced through public data, they may appear under **Applications Not Synced. **These are the applications Sponsorship is designed to help process securely. **Step 2:** Just adjacent to **Add Applications** you can spot this **Sponsorship** button. **Step 3:** Click on that **Sponsorship** button. **Note:** If you have not yet sponsored Triangle IP, there is a separate [user guide](https://app.triangleip.com/assets/SponsorShip-PatentCenter.pdf) available that explains how to sponsor **flyonthewall@triangleip.com** through the USPTO system. **Step 4:** Click **Continue** to begin the Sponsorship process. **Step 5:** You will be asked to enter the email address that has already sponsored Triangle IP through the USPTO system. If the email is not yet available in the sponsorship list, the system will show a message indicating that the entered email is not in the sponsorship list. **Note:** If you recently completed sponsorship, wait up to **24 hours** and try again. **Step 6:** Once the email is recognized, the TIP Tool™ sends a one-time password (**OTP**) to that email address to verify ownership. **Step 7:** Enter the OTP and click to verify the code. The OTP is valid for **10 minutes**. **Note: **Users are allowed a maximum of **3 attempts** to enter the correct OTP. If all three attempts are used, a new OTP must be requested. **Step 8:** After successful verification, select the **USPTO customer number** you want to link to the account. Each customer number represents a set of patent applications managed under a specific firm or client. The TIP Tool™ may also display related details such as the associated name, email, and phone number. **Step 9:** You will be asked to review changes and then **Confirm and Save**. Once confirmed, the selected customer number will be processed in the background. Wait for the synchronization process to complete. The TIP Tool™ will update the applications already present in the portfolio or listed under **Applications Not Synced**. **Note:** The background sync may take up to **24 hours** to complete. ## Why This Feature Matters Private patent application data is not available through public USPTO sources, which makes it harder to keep portfolio records complete and up to date. The Sponsorship feature solves this by allowing users to securely authorize access to that private data through the **USPTO’s official Sponsorship mechanism**. This means users do not need to share USPTO login credentials in order to allow the TIP Tool™ to retrieve relevant application data. Just as importantly, the TIP Tool™ only processes applications that are already present in the portfolio or listed under **Applications Not Synced**. It does not pull all applications associated with the USPTO customer number. This helps maintain **data security, privacy, and control**, while still giving users a way to update private application records inside the portfolio. As a result, users can maintain better visibility into private applications, keep portfolio records updated, while rely on a secure and controlled synchronization process.