Abstract

This study aims to identify the information needs and usage behavior of intellectual property professionals when dealing with patents, trademarks, and design-related tasks and to propose improvements for patent information databases. Based on Leckie’s model of professional information-seeking behavior, an online and offline survey was conducted with 168 respondents, including patent attorneys, intellectual property consultants, developers, administrative managers, and translators. The survey examined key information sources, types of information, usage behaviors, and the degree of information needs being met. The results showed that there was minimal variation in information usage behaviors among intellectual property professionals based on their job characteristics. However, there were differences in the use of AI-based functions in patent information databases and in the degree to which information needs were met. To improve patent information databases, the study suggests structuring data by linking patent information with market, product, case law, and litigation data, and improving search functionalities.