Understanding Intelligence Grade™
12 min read
1. What is an analytical limit?
A limit is not an error. It is information about information.
Every patent analysis depends on the quality and scope of its input data. Stratensight does not just compute scores. It evaluates whether those scores deserve your trust, and tells you honestly when they do not.
Intelligence Grade™ Layer operates at three fundamental levels:
2. The 4 confidence levels
Reliable signal. Solid data foundations. Scores are trustworthy for strategic decisions.
Usable signal with some precautions. Minor data limitations detected but do not invalidate the analysis.
Directional signal only. Validation with additional data recommended before committing resources.
Insufficient signal for strategic decisions. Expand dataset or use a premium source before acting.
3. The 12 tensions explained
Tensions are grouped into two categories: dataset (before scoring) and coherence (after scoring).
Dataset tensions
Very small dataset
What it means: Fewer than 30 patents. Scores are statistically unreliable.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean the technology is unimportant.
How to fix: Broaden your query or upload a larger export.
Limited dataset
What it means: 30-99 patents. Directional signal is valid but confidence improves above 100.
What it does NOT mean: Does not invalidate the analysis.
How to fix: Add broader keywords to increase coverage.
Limited time coverage
What it means: Less than 3 years of filing data. CAGR and trend signals are unstable.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean the technology is new.
How to fix: Include filings from at least 5 years ago.
No historical baseline
What it means: All patents are recent. Cannot establish momentum direction.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean momentum is zero.
How to fix: Extend your date range to include older filings.
Missing filing dates
What it means: Over 20% of patents lack filing dates. Temporal analysis is partially blind.
What it does NOT mean: Does not affect assignee or competitive analysis.
How to fix: Clean your dataset before re-uploading.
CN coverage bias
What it means: High Chinese assignee activity detected with open-source data.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean Chinese patents are excluded.
How to fix: Use Derwent or PatSnap for full CNIPA coverage.
Coherence tensions
Growth + low momentum
What it means: Growth lifecycle with Momentum below 20. Unusual pattern.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean the lifecycle label is wrong.
How to fix: Verify recent filings are captured in your query.
High CAGR on small sample
What it means: High growth rate on fewer than 50 patents. Easily distorted.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean growth is fake.
How to fix: Expand dataset above 100 patents.
Open but concentrated
What it means: High Openness Score with a dominant top assignee. Access is not equal opportunity.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean the market is inaccessible.
How to fix: Analyze clusters separately to find open sub-domains.
Low IG + strong verdict
What it means: Intelligence Grade below 50% with an INVEST or AVOID verdict.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean the verdict is wrong.
How to fix: Improve data quality before strategic decisions.
Mature + high momentum
What it means: Mature technology with strong filing activity. May signal an innovation wave.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean lifecycle is mislabeled.
How to fix: Investigate sub-clusters for the innovation source.
Single player dominance
What it means: One assignee holds over 75% of patents. Analysis reflects a portfolio, not an ecosystem.
What it does NOT mean: Does not mean the technology lacks innovation.
How to fix: Exclude the dominant assignee or broaden scope.
4. Concrete examples
Example 1: 25 patents over 2 years
Tensions triggered: low_volume_critical + temporal_coverage_low
Badge: FRAGILE
Action: Expand query scope and date range. Do not use for strategic decisions without validation.
Example 2: 800 patents, 40% CN, source EPO
Tensions triggered: cn_coverage_bias
Badge: MODERATE
Action: Analysis is valid for international activity. For full CN picture, supplement with a Tier 1 source.
Example 3: Growth lifecycle, Momentum 8
Tensions triggered: growth_low_momentum
Badge: LIMITED
Action: Verify recent filings are captured. The low momentum may indicate a dataset gap, not a technology decline.
Check your understanding
QUIZ DE VALIDATION
1. What is an Intelligence Grade™ tension?
2. What does a FRAGILE confidence badge mean?
3. How many tension levels exist in Intelligence Grade™ Layer?