📌 Avoid unnecessary expenses in researching what is already known
📌 Identify and evaluate technology for licensing and technology transfer
📌 Identify alternative technologies
📌 Keep abreast with the latest technologies in your field of expertise
📌 Find ready solutions to technical problems
📌 Get ideas for further innovation
📌 Locate business partners
📌 Locate suppliers and materials
📌 Monitor activities of real and potential competitors
📌 Identify niche markets
📌 Avoid possible infringement problems
📌 Assess patentability of your own inventions
📌 Oppose grant of patents wherever they conflict with your own patent