# Assess a patent or invention against prior art

A structured first-pass analysis of what a patent or invention claims, how it compares with known prior art, and questions for a patent attorney.

- Topic: Legal & Compliance
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Advanced
- Tags: Legal, Write, Analyze, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/assess-a-patent-or-invention-against-prior-art

## Prompt

```text
Help me analyze a patent or patent application, or my own invention disclosure.

**Document:** [PASTE the claims, abstract, and key parts of the description - or my invention write-up]
**Prior art I know of:** [PASTE patents, papers, products, with dates]
**My goal:** [e.g. decide whether to file, understand a competitor's patent, prepare for a meeting with my attorney]
**Jurisdiction of interest:** [e.g. US, Europe, other]

Analyze:
1. **Plain-English summary** - the problem solved, the solution, and what is actually claimed (claims define protection, not the description).
2. **Claim breakdown** - split independent claim(s) into elements in a table.
3. **Comparison with prior art** - for each element, which prior-art item discloses it (if any), with a quote or location. Mark elements not found in the prior art I gave.
4. **Novelty** - is any single prior-art item showing every element? Be explicit about gaps.
5. **Inventive step / non-obviousness** - would combining known items make it obvious to a skilled person? Note the technical effect or advantage the invention gives.
6. **Strengths and weaknesses** - claims that look broad, vague terms, easy design-arounds.
7. **Search suggestions** - keywords, classification areas, and sources to search further.
8. **Questions for a patent attorney or agent.**

Base the analysis only on the documents I provide; do not invent patent numbers, dates, or citations - mark gaps as [SEARCH NEEDED]. This is a preliminary technical review, not a legal opinion on patentability, validity, or infringement; consult a registered patent attorney or agent before acting. Don't share confidential invention details publicly before filing.
```

## What to fill in

- PASTE patents, papers, products, with dates
- e.g. US, Europe, other
- SEARCH NEEDED

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