backlog of patents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backlog of patents" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a collection of patents that have not yet been processed or granted, often indicating a delay in the patent approval process. Example: "The company is facing a significant backlog of patents, which is slowing down their innovation efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The rate of turnover among patent examiners has slowed, and the backlog of patents waiting to be examined has been whittled down somewhat.

The New York Times

In the United States, since 1997, the number of patent applications has grown by 50%, and the backlog of patents waiting for action by an examiner has quadrupled.

Science Magazine

Inflated demand adds in turn to the immense backlog of patents at the PTO, as well as threats and litigation at the back end.

Huffington Post

There is a huge backlog of patents waiting to be looked at.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The backlog of patent applications has, meanwhile, grown to 500,000, and the patent-pending period now averages 26 months.

The New York Times

Mr. Dudas said that lack of money had prevented the patent office from staying on schedule with its five-year plan for overhauling its operations -- a plan the agency adopted partly in response to Congressional criticism of its mounting backlog of patent applications.

The New York Times

In fact, Americans have so many good ideas that they created a record backlog of patent applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, presenting both an opportunity and a serious problem for our economy.

Huffington Post

The America Invents Act, which I co-sponsored and which passed the Senate in March by an overwhelming 95-5 vote, would end fee diversion and give PTO the ability to reduce the 700,000-long backlog of patent applications awaiting consideration.

Huffington Post

To get more new ideas into the marketplace faster, let's give the Patent and Trademark Office the tools it needs -- primarily differential fees for faster service, but with special breaks for small business and individual inventors -- to cut down the enormous and growing backlog of patent applications.

Huffington Post

Between the backlog of 700,000 patents awaiting their first action by an examiner and the 500,000 patents that are in process, a total of 1.2 million applications are pending.

The New York Times

President Obama praised the Senate action, saying, "This long-overdue reform is vital to our ongoing efforts to modernize America's patent laws and reduce the backlog of 700,000 patent applications — which won't just increase transparency and certainty for inventors, entrepreneurs and businesses, but help grow our economy and create good jobs".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing innovation or economic impact, use "backlog of patents" to highlight inefficiencies in the patent system. Frame the issue as a hurdle to progress.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates that the "backlog of patents" refers to pending applications at a patent office, not a company's patent portfolio or licensing agreements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backlog of patents" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific problem within the patent system. It describes a collection of patent applications that are awaiting processing. Ludwig provides examples of its use in news, science and wiki context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "backlog of patents" refers to a collection of patent applications awaiting processing, often indicating delays within the patent system. Ludwig’s analysis shows it's grammatically correct and most frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While Ludwig reports the phrase is correct, it's relatively rare. When writing, it's crucial to ensure the context is clear, indicating that the backlog refers to pending applications at a patent office, rather than a company's own patent holdings. Alternatives like "patent application backlog" or "pending patents" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patent application backlog

Reorders the phrase to emphasize "patent application" as the primary subject.

pending patents

Uses a more concise phrasing to refer to patents that are awaiting processing.

unprocessed patent applications

Replaces "backlog" with a descriptive term emphasizing the lack of processing.

patent examination delays

Focuses on the delays inherent in the patent examination process.

accumulation of patents

Replaces "backlog" with "accumulation", highlighting the increasing number of patents.

patent logjam

Uses "logjam" as a metaphor for the obstruction in processing patents.

outstanding patent applications

Emphasizes that the patent applications are still unresolved or pending.

patent clearance delays

Focuses on the delays in clearing or approving patents.

deferred patent reviews

Highlights that the patent reviews have been postponed or delayed.

unexamined patents

Focuses specifically on the patents that have not yet been examined.

FAQs

What does "backlog of patents" mean?

The phrase "backlog of patents" refers to a large number of patent applications that are waiting to be processed by a patent office, indicating delays in the patent approval process.

How does a "backlog of patents" affect innovation?

A "backlog of patents" can slow down innovation by delaying the granting of patents, which can discourage inventors and businesses from investing in new technologies. Reducing the backlog is crucial for fostering a healthy and competitive innovation ecosystem.

What are some alternatives to "backlog of patents"?

You can use alternatives like "patent application backlog", "pending patents", or "unprocessed patent applications" depending on the context.

What causes a "backlog of patents"?

A "backlog of patents" can be caused by a number of factors, including understaffing at the patent office, increased numbers of patent applications, and inefficient processes for reviewing applications.