TU Delft Library


Literature search

Do you need a quick and efficient literature search? Enlist the help of TU Delft Library! The following options are available

  • Exploratory literature search for patent applications
  • Custom literature search
  • Quick Search
  • Analysis of 1,000 references

Exploratory literature search for patent applications

This is available for TU Delft staff only and gives an initial impression of the patentability of your invention.

The exploratory literature search is part of the TU Delft Valorisation Centre’s procedure for patent application. To apply for an exploratory literature search, you do not need to complete an application form. All you need to do is send your completed Invention Disclosure form directly to literatuuronderzoek-library@remove-this.tudelft.nl quoting the correct Baan code.

We will then contact you to set up an introductory interview to discuss the literature search and the report. We will also give you an indication of the costs and provide details of the follow-up procedure at the Valorisation Centre.

Custom literature search

We execute a custom literature search according to your wishes. In an introductory interview you discuss the literature search with one of our information specialists and you reach an agreement on the most appropriate search terms. The search is tailored to your budget. The result is a bibliography of relevant references. The search explores the context of the research area, placing it within a broader framework.

Quick search

A quick search is a brief exploratory literature search resulting in a bibliography with the most recent literature on your topic. The quick search is limited to a single relevant database, based on keywords you have provided. It is up to you to decide how many references you wish to receive.

Analysis based on 1,000 references

The basis for an analysis is a quick search (see above), but instead of a number of references we provide a statistical analysis of 1,000 of the most relevant hits from the search results. The results of the analysis are presented in four tables.

For articles:

  1. top 10 authors
  2. top 10 corporate sources
  3. top 10 journals
  4. top 10 years of publiction

For patents:

  1. top 10 inventors
  2. top 10 corporate sources
  3. top 10 countries of patent application
  4. top 10 years of publication