Navigating the IP Landscape with PatWorld: How We’re Changing Patent Searching Education by Sue Leslie
- Hetanshi Gohil
- Nov 12
- 2 min read
In the Women’s IP World Annual 2025, Sue Leslie, Digital Marketing Manager at PatWorld, United Kingdom, shares the journey behind PatWorld’s mission to make patent searching accessible, engaging, and effective for professionals worldwide. Her article takes readers through the development of the Introduction to Patent Searching course, a collaborative, AI-enhanced learning experience built to simplify complex IP concepts for learners at every level.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Patent Searching
PatWorld has long been a trusted name in digital IP solutions, providing real-time global insights and analytics. However, as Sue explains, one area of the industry that needed modernisation was education. Many professionals, from IP managers to innovators, find patent searching intimidating. PatWorld recognised this gap and designed a course that brings clarity and confidence to learners, combining practical knowledge with hands-on, interactive experiences.
Collaboration and Innovation: The Heart of PatWorld’s Course
Developed by a multidisciplinary team of developers, IP managers, and analysts, the Introduction to Patent Searching course was built from the ground up through collaboration and creativity. Drawing on decades of combined experience, the PatWorld team blended real-world search techniques with cutting-edge digital tools, creating an immersive online learning environment hosted on the Thinkific platform.
Sue’s own background in e-learning and her Specialist Award in AI Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing played a key role in shaping the course, ensuring it remained accessible, visually engaging, and relevant to the future of IP education.
Course Structure: From Fundamentals to Future-Ready Skills
The course is built on five key modules designed to guide learners from essential principles to advanced strategies:
Fundamentals of Patent Searching – Introducing the structure and purpose of patents.
Practical Search Techniques – Applying Boolean logic, keyword and citation searches in real-world examples.
Navigating Databases – Understanding how to select and use major patent databases effectively.
AI and Advanced Tools – Exploring how automation and AI are shaping patent search practices.
Analysis and Reporting – Turning search data into actionable insights for decision-making.
Each module features interactive exercises, quizzes, and case studies to help participants retain knowledge and apply it effectively in professional settings.
Making IP Education Accessible and Enjoyable
Accessibility and inclusivity were central to the course design. PatWorld ensured the course was mobile-friendly, compatible with multiple devices, and engaging for both visual and auditory learners. Learners can complete modules at their own pace, reflecting the company’s belief that education should empower, not overwhelm, its users.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of IP Learning
The Introduction to Patent Searching course marks just the beginning of PatWorld’s commitment to IP education. With more advanced modules in development, PatWorld aims to establish a comprehensive learning ecosystem for IP professionals and innovators. Sue highlights that this project exemplifies the company’s broader vision: combining expertise, technology, and creativity to make intellectual property education a cornerstone of the modern innovation economy.
Conclusion
Sue Leslie’s article is a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and education. PatWorld’s Introduction to Patent Searching course not only demystifies complex IP concepts but also sets a new standard for accessible, technology-driven learning in the intellectual property field.
Read the full article in Women’s IP World Annual 2025, essential reading for IP professionals, educators, and innovators seeking to understand how technology and collaboration are shaping the future of patent education.
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