Information processing device, information processing method, and program

Abstract

Provides effective support for intermediate processing after filing. [Solution] The information processing device includes an acquisition means for acquiring the contents of the present patent application, the reasons for rejection for the present patent application, and the cited documents for the present patent application; a first comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents with reference to the reasons for rejection; and a response proposal creation means for creating a response proposal regarding the present patent application with reference to the comparison results by the first comparison means and the comparison results by the second comparison means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known technologies for providing support related to patent applications. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for estimating the units of points to be pointed out in a new patent specification in an expected notice of refusal based on the units of points to be pointed out in past notices of refusal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-224984 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is intended to support the evaluation and preparation of new application documents, and cannot support intermediate processing after filing.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an exemplary purpose thereof is to provide a technology that can favorably support post-filing intermediate procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring the contents of the present patent application, reasons for rejection for the present patent application, and cited documents for the present patent application; a first comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents with reference to the reasons for rejection; and a response draft creation means for creating a response draft regarding the present patent application with reference to the comparison results by the first comparison means and the comparison results by the second comparison means.

[0007] An information processing method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes one or more processors acquiring the contents of the present patent application, reasons for rejection of the present patent application, and cited documents for the present patent application, performing a first comparison process that compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents without referring to the reasons for rejection, performing a second comparison process that compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents with reference to the reasons for rejection, and creating a draft response to the present patent application with reference to the comparison results of the first comparison process and the comparison results of the second comparison process.

[0008] The information processing device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the program that realizes the information processing device on a computer by causing the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the information processing device, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, one exemplary effect is achieved in that post-filing intermediate processing can be favorably supported. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the flow of an information processing method according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow in an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a computer that functions as an information processing device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following are examples of embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. For example, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technologies (part or all of the products or methods) employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately omitting some of the technologies employed in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below are examples of effects expected in the exemplary embodiments, and do not define the scope of the present invention. In other words, embodiments that do not exhibit the effects mentioned in the exemplary embodiments shown below may also be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0012] [First embodiment] A first exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This exemplary embodiment is the basic form of each exemplary embodiment described later. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technology shown in the drawings referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0013] (Configuration of information processing device 1) The configuration of an information processing device 1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, a first comparison unit 12, a second comparison unit 13, and a response plan creation unit 14.

[0014] (Acquisition part 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires the contents of the present patent application, the reasons for refusal of the present patent application, and cited documents of the present patent application. Here, "the present patent application" refers to the patent application to be processed by the information processing device 1, and includes, for example, the specification, claims, and drawings. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the claims of the patent application as the contents of the present patent application. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may further acquire at least one of the specification and drawings of the patent application as the contents of the present patent application. Furthermore, the term "patent application" may also include "utility model."

[0015] Furthermore, the reasons for refusal of the present patent application refer to the reasons for refusal set forth in an examiner's written opinion (notice of reasons for refusal, decision of refusal, etc.) issued by an authority such as the Japan Patent Office after the filing of the present patent application. The acquisition unit 11, for example, acquires text data of the written opinion. Furthermore, the cited documents, for example, refer to one or more documents cited in the examiner's written opinion (notice of reasons for refusal, decision of refusal, etc.). The acquisition unit 11, for example, acquires text data of part or all of the cited documents. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 11 may also acquire drawing data of part or all of the cited documents.

[0016] (First Comparison Section 12) The first comparison unit 12 performs a comparison (first comparison process) between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the content of the cited document. Here, the first comparison unit 12 performs a comparison between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the content of the cited document, for example, without referring to the reasons for refusal. For example, the first comparison unit 12 may be configured to perform the comparison using a machine learning model, a natural language processing engine, or the like.

[0017] (Second Comparison Section 13) The second comparison unit 13 compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document by referring to the reasons for refusal (second comparison process). As an example, the second comparison unit 13 may be configured to perform the comparison using a machine learning model, a natural language processing engine, or the like.

[0018] (Response draft creation part 14) The response plan creation unit 14 creates a response plan related to the present patent application by referring to the comparison result by the first comparison unit 12 and the comparison result by the second comparison unit 13. For example, the response plan creation unit 14 may be configured to create the response plan using a machine learning model, a natural language processing engine, or the like. More specifically, for example, the response plan creation unit 14 may be configured to create the response plan using a machine learning model that has learned past intermediate processing data, a natural language processing engine, or the like.

[0019] (Effects of information processing device 1) As described above, in the information processing device 1, Obtain the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; A comparison of one or more claims contained in the present patent application with the contents of the cited document (first comparison process) is carried out without referring to the reasons for refusal, A comparison is made between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the contents of the cited document (second comparison process) by referring to the reasons for refusal. A response proposal regarding the present patent application is prepared by referring to the comparison results of the first comparison process and the comparison results of the second comparison process. The information processing device 1 thus creates a response proposal by referring to the result of the comparison between the one or more claims and the content of the cited document (first comparison process) performed without referring to the reasons for refusal, and the result of the comparison between the one or more claims and the content of the cited document (second comparison process) performed with reference to the reasons for refusal, so that a suitable response proposal can be created. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can provide suitable support for prosecution procedures after filing of a patent application.

[0020] More specifically, the information processing device 1 significantly reduces the workload in the prosecution of patent applications. In particular, the first comparison unit 12 allows the creation of a proposed amendment by referring to the results of an objective analysis that is not affected by the Office Action. Furthermore, the second comparison unit 13 allows the creation of a proposed amendment that reflects the content of the Office Action. Furthermore, the response proposal creation unit 14 compares the objective analysis with the content of the Office Action, making it possible to more clearly understand whether there is room for rebuttal to the points raised in the Office Action. This makes it possible to consider proposed amendments from a more fair and comprehensive perspective, resulting in high-quality prosecution.

[0021] In the above description, the information processing device 1 handles patent applications as an example, but this does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the information processing device 1 can also be applied to trademarks and designs in addition to patents. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the contents of the application for acquiring the intellectual property right, the reasons for refusal of the application, and the cited documents of the application, The first comparison unit 12 compares one or more claims included in the application with the contents of the cited document without referring to the reasons for refusal (first comparison process), The second comparison section 13 compares one or more claims included in the application with the content of the cited document by referring to the reasons for refusal (second comparison process), The response draft preparation unit 14 prepares a response draft regarding the application by referring to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process. This configuration is also included in this exemplary embodiment.

[0022] With this configuration, it is possible to create a suitable response plan. Therefore, the information processing device 1 can provide suitable support for intermediate processing after filing.

[0023] (Flow of information processing method S1) Next, the flow of information processing method S1 according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram showing the flow of information processing method S1. As shown in Fig. 2, information processing method S1 includes step (process) S11 of acquiring the present patent application, reasons for refusal, and cited documents, step (process) S12 of performing a first comparison process, step (process) S13 of performing a second comparison process, and step (process) S14 of creating a proposed response.

[0024] (Step S11) In step S11, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application. A more detailed explanation of the acquisition unit 11 has been given above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0025] (Step S12) In step S12, the first comparison unit 12 performs a comparison (first comparison process) between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the contents of the cited document. A more detailed explanation of the first comparison unit 12 has been given above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0026] (Step S13) In step S13, the second comparison unit 13 compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document by referring to the reasons for refusal (second comparison process). A more detailed explanation of the second comparison unit 13 has been given above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0027] (Step S14) In step S14, the response proposal creating unit 14 creates a response proposal regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison results from the first comparison process and the comparison results from the second comparison process.

[0028] (Effect of information processing method S1) As described above, in the information processing method S1, Obtain the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; A comparison of one or more claims contained in the present patent application with the contents of the cited document (first comparison process) is carried out without referring to the reasons for refusal, A comparison is made between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the contents of the cited document (second comparison process) by referring to the reasons for refusal. A response proposal regarding the present patent application is prepared by referring to the comparison results of the first comparison process and the comparison results of the second comparison process. According to the above configuration, the same effects as those of the information processing device 1 are achieved.

[0029] In the above explanation, the information processing method S1 has been described as handling patent applications, but this does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, and the method can also be applied to trademarks and designs in addition to patents. In step S11, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the contents of the application for acquiring the intellectual property right, the reasons for refusal of the application, and the cited documents of the application; In step S12, the first comparison unit 12 compares one or more claims included in the application with the content of the cited document without referring to the reasons for refusal (first comparison process), In step S13, the second comparison unit 13 compares one or more claims included in the application with the content of the cited document by referring to the reasons for refusal (second comparison process), In step S14, the response draft creating unit 14 creates a response draft regarding the application by referring to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process. This configuration is also included in this exemplary embodiment.

[0030] With this configuration, it is possible to create a suitable response plan. Therefore, the information processing method S1 can provide suitable support for intermediate processing after filing.

[0031] Second Embodiment A second exemplary embodiment, which is one example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0032] (Configuration of information processing system 100A) The configuration of an information processing system 100A according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100A. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing system 100A includes an information processing device 1A and a server device group 60 connected to the information processing device 1A via a network N. Here, the specific configuration of the network N does not limit this exemplary embodiment, but as an example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks can be used.

[0033] (Server device group 60) The server device group 60 includes a server device that manages a plurality of filed patent application documents. The server device provides the information processing device 1A with one or more claims, specifications, drawings, and abstracts relating to the patent application to be processed.

[0034] The server device group 60 also includes a server device that manages examiner's opinions on a plurality of patent applications. The server device provides the information processing device 1A with examiner's opinions on the patent applications to be processed.

[0035] The server device group 60 also includes a server device that manages a plurality of patent application documents that have already been filed, a plurality of technical documents, etc. The server device provides the information processing device 1A with cited documents related to the patent application to be processed. Note that, in this exemplary embodiment, the term "patent application" may also include "utility model."

[0036] The server device group 60 may also include servers equipped with various models such as machine learning models and natural language processing engines, which will be described later.

[0037] (Configuration of information processing device 1A) Next, the configuration of the information processing device 1A according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the information processing device 1A includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, and an input / output unit 40.

[0038] (Communication unit 30) The communication unit 30 communicates with devices external to the information processing device 1A. As an example, the communication unit 30 communicates with a server device group 60. The data received by the communication unit 30 from the server device group 60 includes: One or more claims, a specification, drawings, and / or an abstract of the patent application being processed - Examiner's opinion regarding the patent application to be processed (notice of reasons for refusal, decision of refusal, etc.) - Citations related to the patent application being processed etc. may be included.

[0039] (Input / output section 40) The input / output unit 40 is configured to include at least one of input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel. Alternatively, the input / output unit 40 may be configured to have input / output devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a printer, and a touch panel connected to it. In this configuration, the input / output unit 40 accepts various types of information input to the information processing device 1A from the connected input devices. Furthermore, the input / output unit 40 outputs various types of information to the connected output devices under the control of the control unit 10. An example of the input / output unit 40 is an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0040] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various data referenced by the control unit 10 and various data generated by the control unit 10. As an example, the storage unit 20 stores: ·Patent application contents PA Reason for refusal RR ·Citation RF First comparison result CR1 Second comparison result CR2 Correction point AP Response Draft RD Output information OUT etc. are stored. Here, the patent application content PA includes the claims of the patent application to be processed (the present patent application), as partially mentioned in the first exemplary embodiment. The patent application content PA may further include at least one of the specification and drawings of the patent application. Specific examples of the reasons for refusal RR and cited documents RF will be described later.

[0041] The first comparison result CR1 includes the result of a comparison process (first comparison process) by the first comparison section 12, which will be described later. The second comparison result CR2 includes the result of a comparison process (second comparison process) by the second comparison section 13, which will be described later. Specific examples of the first comparison result CR1 and the second comparison result CR2 will be described later.

[0042] The correction point AP is information output by the review unit 141 (described later) and includes information regarding the gist of the correction regarding the patent application. The response proposal RD is a response proposal created by the response proposal creation unit 14 (described later). Specific examples of the correction point AP and the response proposal RD will be described later.

[0043] The output information OUT includes information created by the response draft creation unit 14, and includes, for example, at least one of a written opinion and an amendment created by the document creation unit 144 described later. Specific examples of the output information OUT will be described later.

[0044] As an example, the storage unit 20 may be configured to use a large-capacity SSD (Solid State Drive) or cloud storage, and to efficiently store and manage large amounts of text data such as patent application documents, cited documents, notices of reasons for refusal, etc. Also, the storage unit 20 may be configured to have a high-speed data search function and to quickly respond to data requests from other components.

[0045] (Control unit 10) 3, the control unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 10, a first comparison unit 12, a second comparison unit 13, a response proposal creation unit 14, and an output information generation unit 15. The response proposal creation unit 14 includes a review unit 141, an amendment proposal creation unit 142, a priority determination unit 143, and a document creation unit 144. The processing by each of these units will be described below with reference to Example 1 of the processing flow by the information processing device 1A shown in FIG.

[0046] (Example 1 of processing flow by information processing device 1A) FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a first example of the flow of processing by the information processing device 1A.

[0047] (Step S11) In step S11, the acquisition unit 11 acquires the content of the present patent application, the reasons for refusal of the present patent application, and cited documents of the present patent application. Here, as in the exemplary embodiment 1, "the present patent application" refers to the patent application to be processed by the information processing device 1A, and includes, for example, the specification, claims, and drawings. The acquisition unit 11 acquires the claims of the patent application as the content of the present patent application. In addition, the acquisition unit 11 may further acquire at least one of the specification and drawings of the patent application as the content of the present patent application.

[0048] As in the first exemplary embodiment, the reasons for refusal of the present patent application refer to the reasons for refusal set forth in an examiner's written opinion (notice of reasons for refusal, decision of refusal, etc.) issued by an authority such as the Japan Patent Office after the filing of the present patent application. The acquisition unit 11, for example, acquires text data of the written opinion. As in the first exemplary embodiment, the cited documents refer to, for example, one or more documents cited in the examiner's written opinion (notice of reasons for refusal, decision of refusal, etc.). As an example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires text data of some or all of the cited documents. The acquisition unit 11 may also acquire drawing data of some or all of the cited documents.

[0049] (Step S12) In step S12, the first comparison unit 12 performs a comparison (first comparison process) between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the content of the cited document without referring to the reasons for rejection. For example, the first comparison unit 12 performs text analysis using natural language processing technology. Specifically, it uses a combination of techniques such as morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, and semantic analysis to compare the structures of the claims and the cited documents. Furthermore, a word embedding technique such as Word2Vec may be used to calculate word similarity, enabling a more precise comparison.

[0050] 5 shows a specific example of the first comparison process in this step. In this example, the first comparison process includes the processes in steps S121, S122, and S123.

[0051] (Step S121) In step S121, the first comparison unit 12 reads the claims of the present patent application. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the following is read as claim 1 of the present patent application: [Claim 1] an acquisition unit for acquiring a target image; A reading unit that reads identification information; an identification unit that identifies a target person from the identification information; a matching unit that matches the image of the subject with the target image; A matching system that includes: is loaded.

[0052] (Step S122) In step S122, the first comparison unit 12 breaks down the claims of the present patent application into elements. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the claim 1 is 1a: Acquisition unit for acquiring target images 1b: Reading unit for reading identification information 1c: Identification unit for identifying a target person from identification information 1d: A matching unit that matches the image of the subject with the target image. It is decomposed into elements 1a to 1d as shown below.

[0053] (Step S123) Subsequently, in step S123, the first comparison unit 12 generates a first comparison result CR1. As an example, the first comparison unit 12 generates the first comparison result CR1 without referring to the reasons for refusal of the present patent application.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first comparison unit 12 generates a "first comparison table CT1" and an "evaluation" as the first comparison result CR1. In the "first comparison table CT1", the first comparison unit 12 associates each element included in the claims of the present patent application with each element described in the cited document. In addition, as the "evaluation", the first comparison unit 12 -Evaluation of the comparison between the claims of this patent application and the cited documents -Evaluation of the patentability of this patent application Generate information such as:

[0055] (Step S13) In step S13, the second comparison unit 13 compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document (second comparison process) by referring to the reasons for rejection. The second comparison unit 13 performs text analysis using natural language processing technology, for example. Specifically, it uses a combination of techniques such as morphological analysis, syntactic analysis, and semantic analysis to compare the structures of the claims and the cited document. Furthermore, a word embedding technology such as Word2Vec may be used to calculate word similarity, enabling a more precise comparison.

[0056] 6 shows a specific example of the second comparison process in this step. In this example, the second comparison process includes the processes in steps S131 and S132.

[0057] (Step S131, Step S132) In step S131, the second comparing unit 13 reads the reasons for refusal of the present patent application, and in step S132, the second comparing unit 13 generates a first comparison result CR1 by referring to the reasons for refusal.

[0058] In the example shown in Figure 6, the second comparison unit 13 generates a "second comparison table CT2" as the second comparison result CR2. In the "second comparison table CT2," the second comparison unit 13 associates each element included in the claims of the present patent application with each element described in the cited document by referring to the reasons for refusal. Therefore, the second comparison table reflects the examiner's opinion in the reasons for refusal.

[0059] As will be described later, the order of the first comparison process in step S12 and the second comparison process in step S13 is not limited to this example, and either process may be performed first, or they may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the first comparison process and the second comparison process may be performed using different large-scale language models (LLMs) or different sessions of the same LLM. However, in order to obtain objective analysis results that are not affected by the notice of reasons for refusal, it is preferable to perform the first comparison process first, followed by the second comparison process.

[0060] (Step S141) Returning to FIG. 4 , in step S141, the review unit 141 reviews one or more points of correction AP related to the present patent application by referring to the first comparison result CR1 and the second comparison result CR2. As an example, the review unit 141 uses a difference detection algorithm to compare the first comparison result CR1 and the second comparison result CR2. This algorithm inputs structured data of the two comparison results and expresses the differences between them in a tree structure. As an example, the review unit 141 identifies points of correction by analyzing the tree structure of the differences. The review unit 141 may perform at least a part of the above processing using an LLM different from that used by the first comparison unit 12 and the second comparison unit 13, or may perform at least a part of the above processing using a different session of the same LLM as at least one of the first comparison unit 12 and the second comparison unit 13.

[0061] The lower part of Fig. 6 shows an example of the review process in this step. In the example shown in the lower part of Fig. 6, the review unit 141 performs the following review process: Comparison between the first comparison table CT1 and the second comparison table CT2 - Examination of the validity of the examiner's opinion · Rebuttal · Correction points (correction points AP) The results of the study are output.

[0062] (Step S142) 4, in step S142, the amendment proposal preparing unit 142 prepares one or more amendment proposals RD for the present patent application in accordance with the points of amendment output by the reviewing unit 141 in step S141. As an example, the amendment proposal preparing unit 142 may be configured to use a dedicated template engine for replacing, adding, or deleting specific elements while maintaining the structure of the patent claims.

[0063] The amendment proposal preparation unit 142 may also have a function of checking whether the generated amendment proposal satisfies the requirements of the Patent Act (such as the support requirement and clarity requirement). A general machine learning model can be used for the checking function. Specifically, a machine learning model that has been trained in advance using an extensive patent document database may be used. More specifically, a machine learning model that has been trained in advance using past grant decisions and office action notices as training data may be used to automatically make a judgment based on the support requirement and clarity requirement.

[0064] The upper part of Fig. 7 shows an example of processing in this step. In the example shown in the upper part of Fig. 7, the amendment proposal preparation unit 142 prepares an amendment proposal RD including three amendment proposals (response proposals) 1 to 3, and for each response proposal, · Correction or not Correction details -Indicators of patentability -Indicator showing the breadth of the scope of rights is output.

[0065] (Step S143) 4, in step S143, the priority determination unit 143 determines the priority of each of the plurality of amendment proposals generated by the amendment proposal creation unit 142 in step S142. As an example, the priority determination unit 143 determines the priority of each of the plurality of amendment proposals generated by the amendment proposal creation unit 142 in step S142. The priority of each proposed amendment may be determined by referring to at least one of the indices indicating the breadth of the scope of rights. As another example, the priority determination unit 143 may be configured to use a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method to comprehensively evaluate the novelty, inventive step, clarity, conformity to support requirements, etc. of each proposed amendment, and select the most effective proposed amendment.

[0066] In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, the priority determination unit 143 Priority 1: Amendment 2 Priority 2: Amendment 3 Priority 3: Amendment 1 The priority of each amendment proposal is determined as follows.

[0067] (Step S144) 4, in step S144, the document creation unit 144 refers to the priorities determined by the priority determination unit 143 and creates a written argument and an amendment for one or more amendment proposals with relatively high priorities. As an example, the document creation unit 144 uses a language model that has learned expressions and logical development patterns commonly used in patent practice to generate natural and persuasive documents that look like they were created by a human. In the example shown in the lower part of FIG. 7, the document creation unit 144 creates a written argument and an amendment for response proposal 2, which has the highest priority, and response proposal 3, which has the second highest priority.

[0068] 8 shows an example of output information OUT including a written amendment OUT1 and a written opinion OUT2 created by the document preparation unit 144. As shown in Fig. 8, the document preparation unit 144 creates a written amendment OUT1 including the amendment content created by the amendment proposal preparation unit 142, and a written opinion OUT2 including the rebuttal content created by the amendment proposal preparation unit 142. The output information OUT including the written amendment OUT1 and the written opinion OUT2 may, for example, be visually presented to the user via the display of the input / output unit 40, or may be transmitted to the server device group 60 or the like via the communication unit 30.

[0069] (Example 2 of processing flow by information processing device 1A) 9 is a flow diagram showing Example 2 of the processing flow by the information processing device 1A. As shown in FIG. 9, the first comparison process (step S12) and the second comparison process (step S13) may be executed in parallel. This type of processing also produces substantially the same effects as Example 1 of the processing flow.

[0070] (Effects of information processing device 1A) As described above, in the information processing device 1A, Obtain the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; A comparison of one or more claims contained in the present patent application with the contents of the cited document (first comparison process) is carried out without referring to the reasons for refusal, A comparison is made between one or more claims included in the present patent application and the contents of the cited document (second comparison process) by referring to the reasons for refusal. A response proposal regarding the present patent application is prepared by referring to the first comparison result CR1 obtained by the first comparison process and the second comparison result CR2 obtained by the second comparison process. According to this configuration, as explained in the first exemplary embodiment, it is possible to preferably support intermediate processing after filing of a patent application.

[0071] More specifically, the information processing device 1A significantly reduces the workload during the prosecution of patent applications. In particular, the first comparison unit 12 allows the creation of proposed amendments by referring to objective analysis results that are not affected by the Office Action. The second comparison unit 13 also allows the creation of proposed amendments that reflect the content of the Office Action. Furthermore, the response proposal creation unit 14 compares the objective analysis with the content of the Office Action, making it possible to more clearly determine whether there is room for rebuttal to the points raised in the Office Action. This allows the consideration of proposed amendments from a more fair and comprehensive perspective, resulting in high-quality prosecution.

[0072] Furthermore, the information processing device 1A includes a priority determination unit 143 and a document creation unit 144. Therefore, the information processing device 1A can efficiently select proposed amendments through priority determination and automatically generate written opinions and written amendments, thereby reducing time. In other words, by automatically selecting the most appropriate proposed amendment from multiple proposed amendments and generating the necessary documents based on the selected proposed amendment, it is possible to significantly reduce work time while supporting the judgment of patent experts.

[0073] Third Embodiment A third exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0074] (Configuration of information processing system 100B) The configuration of an information processing system 100B according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100B. As shown in Fig. 10, the information processing system 100B includes an information processing device 1B and a server device group 60 connected to the information processing device 1B via a network N. The server device group 60 is the same as in the second exemplary embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0075] (Information processing device 1B) The information processing device 1B has a configuration substantially similar to that of the information processing device 1A according to the second exemplary embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0076] A machine learning model LM is stored in a storage unit 20 included in the information processing device 1B. More specifically, the storage unit 20 stores one or more parameters that define the machine learning model LM.

[0077] As an example, a deep learning model is adopted as the machine learning model LM, and the deep learning model is pre-trained using a large amount of patent documents and historical data on prosecution (notice of reasons for refusal, notice of decision of refusal, information on the examiner in charge, rejection stage (final, decision of refusal, etc.), amendment, written opinion, and other progress information). In addition, the deep learning model may be adapted to a specific technical field or the characteristics of each applicant using a transfer learning technique.

[0078] As an example, the machine learning model LM can be incorporated into the correction proposal creation unit 142 and the priority determination unit 143, and can be configured to generate more effective correction proposals and determine priorities by learning from past intermediate processing data. In other words, the response proposal creation unit 14 includes a machine learning model that is incorporated into at least one of the correction proposal creation unit 142 and the priority determination unit 143, and learns from past intermediate processing data to perform at least one of creating correction proposals and determining priorities.

[0079] The information processing device 1B according to this exemplary embodiment, having the above-described configuration, achieves the following effects in addition to the effects described in the above-described exemplary embodiments. That is, the machine learning model LM improves the accuracy of preparing amendment proposals (the probability of success in patent registration). By learning from past intermediate processing data, the system performance improves over time, making it possible to propose more appropriate and effective amendment proposals. This makes it possible to efficiently utilize the experience and knowledge of patent experts while increasing the likelihood of patent registration.

[0080] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical obstacles arise.

[0081] (Configuration of information processing system 100C) The configuration of an information processing system 100C according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100C. As shown in Fig. 11, the information processing system 100C includes an information processing device 1C and a server device group 60 connected to the information processing device 1C via a network N. The server device group 60 is the same as in the second exemplary embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0082] (Information processing device 1C) The information processing device 1C has a configuration substantially similar to that of the information processing device 1B according to the third exemplary embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0083] A past case database EDB is stored in the storage unit 20 included in the information processing device 1C. Here, the past case database EDB employs, as an example, NoSQL database technology and stores a large number of intermediate processing cases using a flexible schema.

[0084] Similarity-based search technology can be used, for example, to query the EDB database of past cases. For example, a feature vector for the current case is generated, and past similar cases can be quickly searched for using an index such as cosine similarity. This allows for efficient reference to past responses to similar technical fields and reasons for refusal. The similarity criteria can be set arbitrarily, and may include the similarity of the inventor, the content of the notice of reasons for refusal, the technical field, the examiner, or the overall patent document. A complex combination of these may also be used.

[0085] As such, the information processing device 1C, as an example, further includes a past case database which is a database that stores past intermediate processing cases as structured data and which is referenced by the correction proposal creation unit 142 and the priority determination unit 143. The information processing device 1C according to this exemplary embodiment, having the above-described configuration, achieves the following effects in addition to the effects described in the above-described exemplary embodiments. That is, it is possible to improve the efficiency of drafting amendment proposals by referencing similar cases. By saving past cases of intermediate proceedings as structured data and quickly searching and referencing past cases similar to the current case, it is possible to draft effective amendment proposals. This allows the experience of patent experts to be systematized and shared and utilized throughout the organization.

[0086] Fifth Embodiment A fifth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, provided that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, provided that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0087] (Configuration of information processing system 100D) The configuration of an information processing system 100D according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100D. As shown in Fig. 12, the information processing system 100D includes an information processing device 1D and a server device group 60 connected to the information processing device 1D via a network N. The server device group 60 is the same as in the second exemplary embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0088] (Information processing device 1D) The information processing device 1D has substantially the same configuration as the information processing device 1C according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0089] A natural language processing engine NLE is stored in a storage unit 20 included in the information processing device 1D. More specifically, the storage unit 20 stores one or more parameters that define the natural language processing engine NLE.

[0090] The natural language processing engine NLE, for example, employs a pre-trained large-scale language model (e.g., GPT (registered trademark), BERT, etc.) to achieve a deeper understanding of meaning taking context into account. The natural language processing engine NLE, for example, is incorporated into the first comparison unit 12 and the second comparison unit 13. Furthermore, the natural language processing engine NLE may be configured to use a special language model that has been pre-trained on patent documents, in order to deal with technical terms and expressions specific to patents. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the relationships between synonyms and hyponyms, achieving highly accurate comparisons.

[0091] As described above, the information processing device 1D includes a natural language processing engine NLE incorporated in at least one of the first comparing section 12 and the second comparing section 13, which performs comparison using natural language processing technology.

[0092] The information processing device 1D according to this exemplary embodiment, having the above-described configuration, achieves the following advantages in addition to the advantages described in the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specifically, it is possible to improve the accuracy of comparison using natural language processing technology. This advantage is achieved by accurately understanding and analyzing complex technical terms and expressions, accurately comparing based on a deep understanding of meaning taking context into account, and comprehensively comparing by appropriately processing synonyms and similar expressions. As a result, more precise and reliable comparison results are obtained, improving the quality of correction proposals.

[0093] Sixth Embodiment A sixth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0094] (Configuration of information processing system 100E) The configuration of an information processing system 100E according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100E. As shown in Fig. 13, the information processing system 100E includes an information processing device 1E and a server device group 60 connected to the information processing device 1E via a network N. The server device group 60 is the same as in the second exemplary embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0095] (Information processing device 1E) The information processing device 1E has a configuration substantially similar to that of the information processing device 1D according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0096] The control unit 10E included in the information processing device 1E includes a comparison and analysis unit 145 and a correction classification unit 146 in the response plan creation unit 14 in addition to the components included in the control unit 10 according to the second to fifth exemplary embodiments.

[0097] (Comparative Analysis Department 145) The comparison analysis unit 145 compares the comparison results from the first comparison unit 12 with the comparison results from the second comparison unit 13 for all of one or more claims included in the present patent application, and performs an analysis for each constituent feature included in the one or more claims. As an example, the comparison analysis unit 145 may be configured to represent the structures of the claims of the present patent application and the cited documents as a tree structure and perform a detailed comparison using a tree matching algorithm.

[0098] (Correction classification unit 146) The correction classification unit 146 refers to the analysis results by the comparison and analysis unit 145 and classifies each of the constituent features in the claims included in the present patent application into three categories: superordinate conceptualization correction, no correction, and limited correction. As an example, the correction classification unit 146 may be configured to employ a multi-class classification model based on machine learning. The correction classification unit 146 receives the output of the comparison and analysis unit 145 as input and assigns one or more labels, such as "superordinate conceptualization correction," "no correction," or "limited correction," to each constituent feature as a correction candidate. The multi-class classification model is trained using past correction cases and can appropriately classify new cases as well.

[0099] The information processing device 1E according to this exemplary embodiment, having the above-described configuration, provides the following additional advantages in addition to the advantages described in the above-described exemplary embodiments. Specifically, it enables the formulation of an effective amendment strategy by appropriately classifying amendments into generic amendments, no amendments, and restrictive amendments. In particular, by including cases where no restrictive amendments are made (generic amendments, no amendments), options for expanding or maintaining the scope of rights can be considered. This enables the formulation of more strategic and flexible amendment proposals, increasing opportunities to maximize the value of patents.

[0100] Seventh Embodiment A sixth exemplary embodiment, which is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Components having the same functions as those described in the above exemplary embodiments will be assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted as appropriate. The scope of application of each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. That is, each technology employed in this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs. Furthermore, each technology shown in each drawing referenced to explain this exemplary embodiment can also be employed in other exemplary embodiments included in the present disclosure, to the extent that no particular technical hindrance occurs.

[0101] (Configuration of information processing system 100F) The configuration of an information processing system 100F according to this exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system 100F. As shown in Fig. 14, the information processing system 100F includes an information processing device 1F and a server device group 60 connected to the information processing device 1F via a network N. The server device group 60 is the same as in the second exemplary embodiment, and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0102] (Information processing equipment 1F) The information processing device 1F has a configuration substantially similar to that of the information processing device 1E according to the sixth exemplary embodiment, but differs in the following respects.

[0103] The control unit 10F included in the information processing device 1F includes a third comparison unit 16 and an integration unit 17 in addition to the components included in the control unit 10E according to the sixth exemplary embodiment.

[0104] (Third Comparison Section 16) The third comparison unit 16 compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the target configuration. Here, the target configuration is, for example, the configuration of the assumed patent application (the content of the configuration compared with the claims), but this does not limit the present exemplary embodiment. For example, the third comparison unit 16 uses semantic search technology to calculate the similarity between the claims included in the present patent application and the assumed patent application. In this process, cross-modal learning technology is applied to perform semantic correspondence between different document formats, such as patent claims and product descriptions.

[0105] (Integration Section 17) The integration unit 17 (also referred to as the integration and review unit) examines at least one of the points of refutation and correction by referring to the comparison results from the first comparison unit 12, the second comparison unit 13, and the third comparison unit 16. The integration and review unit 17 employs an approach that combines a decision tree algorithm and reinforcement learning to comprehensively analyze the three comparison results from the first comparison unit 12, the second comparison unit 13, and the third comparison unit 16. Specifically, each comparison result is input as a feature, and a decision tree model that outputs an optimal refutation and correction policy is constructed and used as the integration and review unit 17. This decision tree model receives the results of actual intermediate processing as feedback and is continuously improved by reinforcement learning.

[0106] The information processing device 1E according to this exemplary embodiment, having the above-described configuration, achieves the following effects in addition to the effects described in the above-described exemplary embodiments. That is, it is possible to ensure an effective scope of rights by comparing with the expected patent application A. By comparing with the expected patent application A, strategic amendments can be made with an eye toward future enforcement of rights. This allows not only to obtain a patent but also to acquire a highly effective patent right that is in line with the business strategy.

[0107] (Appendix 1) In each of the exemplary embodiments described above, input and output to various trained models (machine learning models, (large-scale) language models, etc.) or to each unit using these models (first comparison unit 12, second comparison unit 13, response proposal creation unit 14) may be in a chat format. As an example, each unit using these models may use prompt-format data as input data to the model. Furthermore, the various types of data described above to be output by each unit may be generated by referring to data output from the model in a chat format.

[0108] (Appendix 2) In each of the exemplary embodiments described above, the output information OUT is displayed on a display provided in the input / output unit 40, for example. In addition, in the correction proposal included in the output information OUT, a support point for the configuration specified by a cursor operated by the user may be displayed in a pop-up. Such a configuration may be, for example, The response draft creation unit 14 associates each feature included in the amendment draft with a description in the specification corresponding to the feature, The input / output unit 40 pops up a description in the specification that corresponds to the configuration specified by the cursor. This is realized by the following process.

[0109] Furthermore, when the user clicks on a point designated by the cursor, the display area may move to a point in the chat history data where the support point corresponding to the configuration is displayed.

[0110] (Appendix 3) In the first comparison table CT1 and the second comparison table CT2, if the correspondence between elements in each row is appropriate, a circle (○) is displayed, if the correspondence between elements is inappropriate, a cross (×) is displayed, and if neither applies, a triangle (△) is output (displayed).

[0111] (Appendix 4) This invention can be widely used by various organizations related to patents, such as patent offices, corporate intellectual property departments, patent offices, etc. In particular, this invention will make a significant contribution to improving the efficiency and quality of the patent acquisition process for large companies that handle a large number of patent applications, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises and individual inventors with limited resources.

[0112] Furthermore, the basic configuration of this invention can also be applied to support the creation of legal documents other than patents. For example, it can be applied to a wide range of legal tasks, such as intellectual property-related procedures for trademarks and designs, as well as contract drafting and legal document analysis. As such, this invention has the potential to be widely used in a variety of industrial fields, not just the patent field, and will greatly contribute to improving the productivity of knowledge work.

[0113] [Software implementation example] Some or all of the functions of the information processing devices 1, 1A to 1F (hereinafter also referred to as "each of the above devices") may be realized by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC chip), or by software.

[0114] In the latter case, each of the above devices is realized by, for example, a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. An example of such a computer (hereinafter referred to as computer C) is shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of computer C that functions as each of the above devices.

[0115] The computer C includes at least one processor C1 and at least one memory C2. The memory C2 stores a program P for causing the computer C to operate as each of the above-mentioned devices. In the computer C, the processor C1 reads and executes the program P from the memory C2, thereby realizing the functions of each of the above-mentioned devices.

[0116] The processor C1 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphic processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a micro processing unit (MPU), a floating point number processing unit (FPU), a physics processing unit (PPU), a tensor processing unit (TPU), a quantum processor, a microcontroller, or a combination thereof. The memory C2 may be, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a combination thereof.

[0117] The computer C may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) for expanding the program P during execution and for temporarily storing various data. The computer C may also include a communication interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from other devices. The computer C may also include an input / output interface for connecting input / output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, display, and printer.

[0118] Furthermore, the program P can be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium M that can be read by the computer C. Such a recording medium M can be, for example, a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, or a programmable logic circuit. The computer C can acquire the program P via such a recording medium M. The program P can also be transmitted via a transmission medium. Such a transmission medium can be, for example, a communication network or broadcast waves. The computer C can also acquire the program P via such a transmission medium.

[0119] Furthermore, the functions of each of the above devices may be realized by a single processor provided in a single computer, by multiple processors provided in a single computer working in cooperation, or by multiple processors provided in each of multiple computers working in cooperation. Furthermore, the programs for causing each of the above devices to realize the functions may be stored in a single memory provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in a single computer, or may be distributed and stored in multiple memories provided in each of multiple computers.

[0120] [Appendix A] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0121] (Appendix A1) A means for acquiring the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; a first comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited document without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document, with reference to the reasons for rejection; a response draft creating means for creating a response draft regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result by the first comparison means and the comparison result by the second comparison means; An information processing device comprising:

[0122] (Appendix A2) The response plan creation means a reviewing means for reviewing one or more points of amendment regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result by the first comparing means and the comparison result by the second comparing means; an amendment proposal preparation means for preparing one or more amendment proposals for the present patent application according to the amendment points made by the examination means; Equipped with 10. The information processing device according to claim 1,

[0123] (Appendix A3) The amendment proposal creating means creates a plurality of amendment proposals, The response plan creation means a priority determination means for determining the priority of each of the plurality of amendment proposals created by the amendment proposal creation means; document preparation means for preparing an opinion and an amendment regarding one or more amendment proposals with a relatively high priority; The information processing device according to appendix A2,

[0124] (Appendix A4) The response plan creation means A machine learning model is incorporated into at least one of the correction proposal creation means and the priority determination means, and learns past intermediate processing data to perform at least one of creating correction proposals and determining priorities. 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the information processing device is a

[0125] (Appendix A5) The system further includes a past case database that stores past intermediate processing cases as structured data and that is referenced by the amendment proposal creation means and the priority determination means. 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the information processing device is a device for processing information.

[0126] (Appendix A6) The information processing device includes: a natural language processing engine that is incorporated into at least one of the first comparison means and the second comparison means and performs comparison using natural language processing technology; An information processing device according to any one of appendices A1 to A4.

[0127] (Appendix A7) The response plan creation means a comparison and analysis means for comparing the comparison result by the first comparison means with the comparison result by the second comparison means for all of one or more claims included in the present patent application, and for performing an analysis for each constituent feature included in the one or more Appendix A; an amendment classification unit that classifies each of the constituent features into three categories: generic amendment, no amendment, and limited amendment, with reference to the analysis results by the comparative analysis means; 10. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0128] (Appendix A8) a third comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the target configuration; an integration means for examining at least one point of a counterargument or an amendment by referring to the comparison results of the first comparison means, the second comparison means, and the third comparison means; The information processing device according to any one of appendices A1 to A4, further comprising:

[0129] [Appendix B] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0130] (Appendix B1) an acquisition process in which at least one processor acquires the contents of the patent application, the grounds for rejection of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; a first comparison process in which the at least one processor compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited document without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison process in which the at least one processor compares one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document, with reference to the reasons for rejection; a response draft creation process in which the at least one processor creates a response draft regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process; An information processing method comprising:

[0131] (Appendix B2) In the response plan creation process, a review process in which the at least one processor reviews one or more points of correction related to the present patent application by referring to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process; an amendment proposal creation process in which the at least one processor creates one or more amendment proposals for the present patent application according to points of amendment made by the review process; Contains 1. The information processing method described in Appendix B1.

[0132] (Appendix B3) In the correction proposal generation process, the at least one processor generates a plurality of correction proposals; In the response plan creation process, a priority determination process in which the at least one processor determines a priority of each of the plurality of correction proposals generated by the correction proposal generation process; a document preparation process in which the at least one processor prepares an argument and an amendment regarding one or more amendments having a relatively high priority; 2. An information processing method according to claim 1, comprising:

[0133] (Appendix B4) In the response plan creation process, the at least one processor: The method includes a machine learning model that is incorporated into at least one of the correction proposal creation process and the priority determination process, and that learns past intermediate processing data to create a correction proposal and / or determine the priority. The information processing method described in Appendix B3.

[0134] (Appendix B5) The at least one processor further includes a past case database that stores past intermediate processing cases as structured data and that is referenced by the correction proposal creation process and the priority determination process. An information processing method as described in Appendix B3 or B4.

[0135] (Appendix B6) The information processing device includes: A natural language processing engine is incorporated into at least one of the first comparison process and the second comparison process, and performs comparison using natural language processing technology. 1. An information processing method according to any one of appendices B1 to B4.

[0136] (Appendix B7) In the response plan creation process, the at least one processor: a comparison and analysis process in which the at least one processor compares the comparison result of the first comparison process with the comparison result of the second comparison process for all of one or more claims included in the present patent application, and analyzes each constituent feature included in the one or more claims; an amendment classification process in which the at least one processor classifies each of the constituent features into three categories: a generic amendment, no amendment, and a limited amendment, with reference to the analysis results of the comparative analysis process; An information processing method according to any one of appendices B1 to B4, comprising:

[0137] (Appendix B8) a third comparison process in which the at least one processor compares one or more claims contained in the present patent application with the target configuration; an integration process in which the at least one processor refers to the comparison results of the first comparison process, the second comparison process, and the third comparison process and considers at least one point of rebuttal and amendment; The information processing method according to any one of appendices B1 to B4, further comprising:

[0138] [Appendix C] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0139] (Appendix C1) A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device, The computer A means for acquiring the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; a first comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited document without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document, with reference to the reasons for rejection; a response draft creating means for creating a response draft regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result by the first comparison means and the comparison result by the second comparison means; An information processing program that functions as a

[0140] (Appendix C2) The response plan creation means a reviewing means for reviewing one or more points of amendment regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result by the first comparing means and the comparison result by the second comparing means; an amendment proposal preparation means for preparing one or more amendment proposals for the present patent application according to the amendment points made by the examination means; Equipped with An information processing program as described in Appendix C1.

[0141] (Appendix C3) The amendment proposal creating means creates a plurality of amendment proposals, The response plan creation means a priority determination means for determining the priority of each of the plurality of amendment proposals created by the amendment proposal creation means; document preparation means for preparing an opinion and an amendment regarding one or more amendment proposals with a relatively high priority; The information processing program according to appendix C2, comprising:

[0142] (Appendix C4) The response plan creation means A machine learning model is incorporated into at least one of the correction proposal creation means and the priority determination means, and learns past intermediate processing data to perform at least one of creating correction proposals and determining priorities. An information processing program as described in Appendix C3.

[0143] (Appendix C5) The system further includes a past case database that stores past intermediate processing cases as structured data and that is referenced by the amendment proposal creation means and the priority determination means. An information processing program according to Appendix C3 or C4.

[0144] (Appendix C6) The computer The first comparison means and the second comparison means are incorporated into at least one of the first comparison means and the second comparison means, and function as a natural language processing engine that performs comparison using natural language processing technology. An information processing program according to any one of appendices C1 to C4.

[0145] (Appendix C7) The response plan creation means a comparison and analysis means for comparing the comparison result from the first comparison means with the comparison result from the second comparison means for all of one or more claims included in the present patent application, and for analyzing each constituent feature included in the one or more claims; an amendment classification means for classifying each of the constituent features into three categories: generic amendment, no amendment, and limited amendment, with reference to the analysis results by the comparative analysis means; The information processing program according to any one of appendices C1 to C4, comprising:

[0146] (Appendix C8) The computer a third comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the target configuration; an integration means for examining at least one point of a counterargument or an amendment by referring to the comparison results of the first comparison means, the second comparison means, and the third comparison means; The information processing program according to any one of appendices C1 to C4, further functioning as:

[0147] [Appendix D] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0148] (Appendix D1) at least one processor, An acquisition process for acquiring the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; a first comparison process of comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the content of the cited document without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison process in which one or more claims included in the present patent application are compared with the content of the cited document, with reference to the reasons for rejection; a response draft creation process for creating a response draft regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process; An information processing device that executes the above.

[0149] The information processing device may further include a memory, and the memory may store a program for causing the at least one processor to execute each of the processes.

[0150] (Appendix D2) In the response plan creation process, the at least one processor: A review process for reviewing one or more points of amendment related to the present patent application with reference to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process; An amendment proposal preparation process for preparing one or more amendment proposals for the present patent application according to the amendment points obtained through the review process; Run 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the information processing device is a device for processing information.

[0151] (Appendix D3) In the correction proposal generation process, the at least one processor generates a plurality of correction proposals; In the response plan creation process, the at least one processor: a priority determination process for determining the priority of each of the plurality of amendment proposals created by the amendment proposal creation process; A document preparation process to prepare an opinion and amendment regarding one or more amendment proposals with a relatively high priority. The information processing device according to appendix D2,

[0152] (Appendix D4) In the response plan creation process, the at least one processor: In at least one of the correction proposal creation process and the priority determination process, a machine learning model is used that learns past intermediate processing data and performs at least one of creating a correction proposal and determining priority. 10. The information processing device according to claim 9, wherein the information processing device is an information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the information processing device is an information processing device.

[0153] (Appendix D5) The system further includes a past case database that stores past interlocutory processing cases as structured data and that is referenced in the amendment proposal creation process and the priority determination process. An information processing device according to appendix D3 or D4.

[0154] (Appendix D6) In the information processing device, the at least one processor In at least one of the first comparison process and the second comparison process, a natural language processing engine is used to perform comparison using natural language processing technology. An information processing device according to any one of appendices D1 to D4.

[0155] (Appendix D7) In the response plan creation process, the at least one processor: a comparative analysis process in which the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process are compared for all of one or more Appendix Ds included in the present patent application, and an analysis is performed for each constituent feature included in the one or more Appendix Ds; A correction classification process in which each of the constituent features is classified into three categories: a generic conceptual correction, no correction, and a limited correction, with reference to the analysis results of the comparative analysis process. The information processing device according to any one of appendices D1 to D4,

[0156] (Appendix D8) The at least one processor: a third comparison process for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the target configuration; an integrated process for examining at least one point of the counterargument and / or amendment with reference to the comparison results of the first comparison process, the second comparison process, and the third comparison process; The information processing device according to any one of appendices D1 to D4, further executing the following.

[0157] [Appendix E] This disclosure includes the techniques described in the following appendices. However, the present invention is not limited to the techniques described in the following appendices, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims.

[0158] (Appendix E1) A program that causes a computer to function as an information processing device, The computer, An acquisition process for acquiring the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; a first comparison process of comparing one or more Appendix E's included in the present patent application with the contents of the cited documents without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison process in which one or more Appendix E's included in the present patent application are compared with the contents of the cited documents, with reference to the reasons for refusal; a response draft creation process for creating a response draft regarding the present patent application by referring to the comparison result of the first comparison process and the comparison result of the second comparison process; A non-transitory recording medium on which an information processing program for executing the above is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 1, 1A~1F Information Processing Equipment 100A~100F Information Processing Systems 11 Acquisition unit (acquisition means) 12 First comparison section (first comparison means) 13 Second comparison section (second comparison means) 14. Response draft creation unit (response draft creation means) 141 Review Department (Review Means) 142 Amendment Proposal Preparation Unit (Amendment Proposal Preparation Means) 143 Priority determination unit (priority determination means) 144 Document Creation Department (Document Creation Means) 145 Comparative Analysis Department (Comparative Analysis Means) 146 Correction classification unit (correction classification means) 15 Output information generation unit 16 Third comparison section (third comparison means) 17 Integration Section (Integration Means)

Claims

1. A means for acquiring the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; a first comparison means for associating each element of one or more claims included in the present patent application with each element described in the cited document without referring to the reasons for rejection; a second comparison means for associating each element of one or more claims included in the present patent application with each element described in the cited document by referring to the reasons for rejection; and a response proposal creation means for creating a response proposal to respond to the reason for rejection by inputting the matching result by the first comparison means and the matching result by the second comparison means into a large-scale language model.

2. The response plan creation means further comprising an amendment proposal creating means for creating one or more amendment proposals for amending specific elements of one or more claims included in the present patent application by inputting the result of the alignment by the first comparison means and the result of the alignment by the second comparison means into a large-scale language model; The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the proposed response includes one or more of the proposed corrections.

3. the amendment proposal creating means creates a plurality of amendment proposals, The response plan creation means a priority determination means for determining a priority of each of the plurality of amendment proposals created by the amendment proposal creation means; a document preparation means for preparing an opinion and an amendment regarding one or more amendment proposals having a relatively high priority; the proposed response further includes at least one of an indicator indicating the possibility of granting a right to each of the proposed amendments and an indicator indicating the breadth of the scope of rights to each of the proposed amendments; The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the priority determining means determines the priority based on at least one of an index indicating the possibility of obtaining a right and an index indicating the breadth of the scope of the right.

4. The response plan creation means The information processing device according to claim 3, further comprising a machine learning model incorporated in at least one of the correction proposal creation means and the priority determination means, which learns past intermediate processing data and performs at least one of creating the correction proposal and determining the priority.

5. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a past case database that stores past intermediate processing cases as structured data and that is referenced by said correction proposal creating means and said priority determining means.

6. The information processing device includes:

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a natural language processing engine incorporated in at least one of the first comparison means and the second comparison means, the natural language processing engine performing the comparison using a natural language processing technique.

7. The response plan creation means a comparison and analysis means for comparing the result of the correspondence by the first comparison means with the result of the correspondence by the second comparison means for all of one or more claims included in the present patent application, and for performing an analysis for each constituent feature included in the one or more claims; 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a correction classification unit that classifies each of the constituent elements into three categories: superordinate conceptual correction, no correction, and limited correction, by referring to the analysis results by the comparative analysis means.

8. a third comparison means for comparing one or more claims included in the present patent application with the target configuration; 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising an integration means for examining at least one point of a rebuttal and an amendment by referring to the results of the matching by the first comparison means, the results of the matching by the second comparison means, and the results of the comparison by the third comparison means.

9. one or more processors Obtaining the contents of the patent application, the reasons for refusal of the patent application, and the cited documents of the patent application; Executing a first comparison process, which is a process of associating each element of one or more claims included in the present patent application with each element described in the cited document, without referring to the reasons for rejection; Executing a second comparison process, which is a process of matching each element of one or more claims included in the present patent application with each element described in the cited document, by referring to the reasons for rejection; creating a response plan for responding to the reason for rejection by inputting the result of the association by the first comparison process and the result of the association by the second comparison process into a large-scale language model; An information processing method comprising:

10. 2. A program for causing a computer to function as the information processing device according to claim 1, the program causing a computer to function as the acquiring means, the first comparing means, the second comparing means, and the response proposal creating means.

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