A patent landscape, also known as a patent map, is a graphical representation of a set of patents that exist within a particular technology space. The purpose, scope, and method of mapping vary according to the desired business objective; however, the overarching goals of patent landscape analysis are: to identify patents of interest within a given segment, verify their characteristics, analyze the relationships between them, and use the information gleaned to guide key business decisions. A patent map is therefore an advanced business intelligence tool—one that makes it possible for business owners, investors, and financiers to organize and extract value from patent data and gain deeper insight into factors such as: ● Untapped or less exploited areas of technology ● Technologies for potential R&D ● Major players and new entrants in the market ● R&D direction and strength compared to peers ● New licensing, acquisition, and joint venture opportunities ● Possible zones of infringement ● Patents to let lapse