The Power of Patent Data in Research and Business Strategy by Kenichi Nakajima

The Power of Patent Data in Research and Business Strategy by Kenichi Nakajima. In The Global IP Matrix Magazine Issue 23, Kenichi Nakajima, Director of IP Services at Clarivate in Japan, offers a compelling examination of how enriched patent data is becoming an indispensable asset in shaping research and business strategies. From universities seeking grant funding to global corporations conducting M&A due diligence, Nakajima outlines how patent intelligence is redefining decision-making in an increasingly competitive innovation landscape.

Unlocking Strategic Value Through Data

Patent data has evolved far beyond its legal roots. Once viewed as an administrative necessity, it is now a dynamic, strategic resource that reflects the very pulse of technological advancement. Nakajima emphasises that enriched datasets complete with structured abstracts, citation networks, and litigation records allow for more than just tracking innovation. They provide critical insights into emerging trends, competitor positioning, and market opportunities.

Clarivate’s Four Pillars of Analysis

Nakajima details four foundational approaches for harnessing patent data:

1. Technology Trend Analysis – Benchmark innovation and track emerging fields.

2. New Application Discovery – Use AI to find cross-industry opportunities.

3. Collaboration Mapping – Identify academic and industrial research partners.

4. Internal Technology Inventory – Help organisations uncover their own hidden strengths.
   

Each method is supported by practical examples showing how data can reveal innovation hotspots, align with national priorities (such as Japan’s focus on cross-sector innovation), and support commercialisation strategies. Methodologies that Matter

Not all data is created equal. Nakajima highlights the importance of combining high-quality, curated datasets like those from the Derwent World Patents Index (DWPI) with cutting-edge tools and analytical methods. Whether assessing freedom to operate (FTO), building collaboration maps, or guiding strategic investment, the effectiveness of patent analytics lies in the depth of the data and the expertise behind it.

The Future of Patent Intelligence

Patent data is no longer the exclusive domain of IP departments. Nakajima shows how it is being integrated into broader corporate and academic strategies. From policy formation to interdisciplinary research, the applications are expanding, making patent intelligence a core element of long-term planning. As platforms grow more integrated, linking patents with regulatory filings, scientific literature, and market data, their strategic importance will only increase.

Conclusion

As Nakajima highlights, enriched patent data is no longer a back-office asset; it’s a strategic driver of innovation, competitiveness, and policymaking. With the right tools and analytics, organisations can unlock transformative value from their IP portfolios and shape smarter futures.

Read the full article in The Global IP Matrix Issue 23, Clarivate’s Kenichi Nakajima explores how enriched patent data is driving smarter research and business decisions in today’s fast-moving innovation environment.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE NOW!