Quantum computation patent mapping - a strategic view for the information technique of tomorrow

Quantum computation, or quantum information in a more general terminology, is deemed the information technique (IT) of next generation. Our research shows that the market of quantum information techniques has just begun and grows up steadily. Moreover, this market is patent-oriented. By our previous study (Chang, 2004), patent, or more generally, intellectual property right (IPR), is the core of sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) for a company in the present knowledge economy era, and we should have a strategic view for this market based upon Sun Tzu. As required by the Sun Tzu's philosophy, we should know the enemy (competitor) and ourself during the competition. Patinformatics encompasses all forms of analyzing patent information, which includes patent intelligence, patent mapping and patent citation analysis (Trippe, 2002). It provides a strategic view of the market which allows us to understand our competitors, ourself, the risk and the chance. Moreover, patinformatics will provide competition situation awareness to those vigorous executive managers for guiding the research activities and company strategy. In our research project, "patent mapping for quantum computation techniques" sponsored by the Scientific and Technology Information Center, National Science Council, Executive Yuan, the Republic of China, we set up 19 keyword combinations for USPTO patent database full-text search. Up to 10 February 2005, we obtain more than a thousand patents and thirteen hundred patent applications from our full-text search by these 19 keyword combinations. Further, we screen out 210 related patents and 351 related patent applications. By these informations, we obtain some views about the market of quantum information in the future.