ktMINE Updates and Upgrades: Image File Wrapper Data and Quick Starts

In 2026, ktMINE has been hard at work bringing our users more relevant data and a better search experience. After continued conversations with our users, we identified several areas we can improve

With these needs in mind, we are happy to announce the introduction of Image File Wrapper (IFW) data and Quick Starts, a new Search App functionality. 

Image File Wrapper (IFW) Data

In the many conversations we’ve had with our users, especially law firms and patent researchers, we found that IFW data was a strategically important component. The IFW data set is, in essence, the electronic record of the patent filing process. It contains useful information such as the arguments made during examination, the search strategy the examiner leveraged, the different patents the examiner considered as citations, the original patents the applicant identified for citations, and many other key insights.

As ktMINE has always been a premier provider of patent data we knew we needed this added depth of information. Our customers can explore this data in product and gain even more value from ktMINE data. 

IFW Data Common Use Cases:

Validity & Litigation Analysis – Following this data, you can identify what was argued, eventually amended, and how the searches changed with each discussion. Reviewing the arguments made by both sides can indicate contentious points that were validated or conceded. Sometimes the applicant will make arguments that can inadvertently narrow their scope or defensibility. Alternatively, there can be instances where the examiners argument can create more Freedom to Operate for your technology. 

Prior Art & Patentability – This data can be critical in the Prior Art & Invention Disclosure process as it provides information directly from the patent examination process. Some key aspects include the Information Disclosure Statement (IDS), Office Actions, and Examiner Search Notes. IDS forms contain a list of prior art the applicant submitted as part of the patent for the examiner’s consideration. Using this information garners a view into the Applicant’s understanding of their asset and its potential dependencies, or similarities that already exist in the market. Office Actions are useful as they track the communication between the Examiner and Applicant. These are critical to understanding the arguments that were made that either led to claims being removed or modified, creating opportunities in the patent drafting process. Search Notes are beneficial as they can show what the Examiner already considered and can be an excellent starting point to your own clearance searching. 

Competitive Intelligence – IFW data offers an opportunity to dive into your competition’s patent filing process. When reviewing this information, you can see how they responded to rejections and how their claims changed over time. Upon reading these responses it is possible to identify workarounds or gaps in a competitors patents based on the specific language used to defend their position. 

ktMINE Quick Starts: The Fastest Way to Search

One challenge when using a data platform as detailed and robust as ktMINE is getting to the most important details instantaneously. Which is why ktMINE is excited to announce the introduction of Quick Starts to our Search Application. These Quick Starts are specialized to yield the most relevant data faster. 

Quick Starts will now be available on the Search homepage, replacing the Simple Search Bar. Users will have the option to use which Quick Start is most applicable to their query. The options include Patent Search, AI Agreement, Company Portfolio, Patent Number, Law Firm Analytics, and US Patent Prosecution. 

Patent Search – This Quick Start is designed to get patent results quickly. Type in the category of technology you are interested in and be instantly taken to the list of matching patents.

AI Agreement – This Quick Start is designed to quickly find relevant agreements that meet your project needs.  Type in the facts of the licensing transaction or IP you are looking to value and the system will provide you results instantly.

Company Portfolio – This Quick Start is designed to show all of the patents that a particular company owns. Type in the name of the company you would like to see, then select the company out of the pick list. The results will instantly take you to the list of patents that are registered to that company. 

Patent Number – This Quick Start is designed to find an individual patent or a list of patents quickly. Type in the patent number(s) to be taken to those exact patents.

Law Firm Analytics – This Quick Start is designed to quickly review analytics pertaining to an individual law firm. Type in the name of the law firm and select the most appropriate firm from the pick list. You will then see analytics surrounding their patent activity and rejection data.  

US Prosecution Analytics – This Quick Start is designed to quickly review a law firm’s prosecution performance using rejection analytic data. Type in the name of the law firm and select the most appropriate firm from the pick list. You will then be taken to the Patent Prosecution Scorecard where you can review their rejection metrics across the patents they’ve worked on. 

As we continue to innovate within our applications and the data sphere, we value any and all feedback. Give our newest updates a try and let us know what you think.