*Music playing*
There is a demand for absorbent underwear...
because many women have an incontinence problem...
and it's currently not available in most shops.
Volcare is constantly improving its products...
and patent databases are very useful to find out what is on the market...
and also what we can use.
Our undergarments have a multi-layered pad that absorbs fluids...
does not leak through and feels dry.
Now our greatest challenge is to optimise the odour masking.
*Music playing*
We helped Liselotte of Volcare with her patent research.
It was to get inspiration, to see how others have resolved her bottleneck.
So it is a good idea to look into the patent literature to find technical solutions.
*Inidstinguishable*
Our original idea was to tackle odours chemically...
but while looking for inspiration, we found it can also be done naturally...
which is more in keeping with our target group.
Searches in the database are tricky: a pen for instance is a writing instrument...
so it's better to search using classification codes.
These are labels for technical procedures.
Over 80 per cent of the technical details are found in the database...
but not in other professional publications.
While looking through the patent database, I found various things:
Other parties, not just competitors, but also potential future partners.
I'm self-employed, so I spend many hours developing my products.
I could make use of WBSO, but not yet. I'm saving that for the future.
WBSO is a fiscal benefit for companies that perform R&D activities...
such as developing a product or production method.
The self-employed can also apply, few people know this.
When using patent publications as part of your R&D process...
you can also deduct the hours and fees in the WBSO scheme.
*Music playing*
You would be surprised at the number of patent publications: over 130 million.
They are available online for free.
I mostly consulted the patent database to expand my knowledge...
and not to apply for a patent at this time.
*Music playing while fading out*