The Department of Energy (DOE), in conjunction with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has established the Visual Intellectual Property Search (VIPS) database in an innovative endeavor to improve the accessibility and real-world effect of its research. This cutting-edge system brings together hundreds of ideas, technologies, methodologies, and software created at DOE's 17 national laboratories, as well as many other plants and sites. VIPS, which was officially launched on July 31, represents a substantial development in the way intellectual property (IP) searches are handled, with the potential to be an important resource for entrepreneurs, researchers, business leaders, and investors.

VIPS houses an extraordinary collection of over 14,000 patents and more than 6,200 software packages created through DOE research. This huge collection is updated regularly, primarily from the US Patent and Trademark Office and DOE CODE, a repository managed by the US Office of Scientific and Technical Information. The database's powerful search and filtering tools allow users to quickly identify technologies of interest, whether they are looking widely in sectors like energy or sensors, or specifically for advances like hydrogen energy storage or thermal energy storage.

VIPS was developed by PNNL software developer Scott Dowson and his colleagues using funds from the Base Annual Appropriated Technology Commercialization Fund. They worked closely with Tradespace, a corporation that specializes in intellectual property management, to create the system's complex taxonomy. This collaboration guarantees that VIPS is both comprehensive and user-friendly, making it easier for private-sector firms to find and use DOE-developed innovations.

A fundamental problem in building VIPS was harmonizing data from numerous sources, which frequently came in different forms. The team used custom-built artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to streamline the process and ensure that users have access to the most relevant and valuable information. The system's taxonomy proposes scientific terminology that offer both detailed and wide perspectives on connected technology, thereby improving the user experience.

VIPS is intended to improve the commercialization of DOE research by making it more available to potential licensees. Almost all of the research represented in the database is licensed or open-source, providing countless chances for innovation and development. For example, PNNL has 1,119 patents and 709 software packages listed in VIPS, with expertise in digital computers, sensors, chemistry, energy, and materials.

The database also offers vital information on the most productive inventors and research fields at each national laboratory. For example, at PNNL, top innovators are honored for their contributions to protein measurement and analysis methodologies, innovative mass spectrometry techniques, and energy storage technologies. These extensive listings include links to the laboratory where the innovation was generated, as well as important commercialization contacts, making it easy for researchers and possible partners to connect.

The development and implementation of VIPS is opportune, since it coincides with the anniversary of the first U.S. patent given in 1790. This effort emphasizes the continual role of research and innovation in advancing technology and improving people's lives. VIPS is a considerable enhancement over the previous Visual Patent Search portal, providing improved usability, a more sophisticated search engine, and the addition of software packages for the first time.

While VIPS greatly increases access to DOE intellectual property, it has some restrictions. Classified technologies are not included, and some listed technologies may already have licenses. However, the system is designed to accommodate additional licensees whenever possible, ensuring that valuable ideas reach those with the ability to bring them to market.