Review criteria
- +Reference by patent number and source
- +Relevance rating
- +Claim-mapping notes
- +Shortlist view
Prior Art Reference Log in Patent Search Service
The Prior Art Reference Log is a copy-ready spreadsheet for patent search service that tracks references, patent no, relevance, claim, notes. It opens unchanged in both Google Sheets and Excel, needs no add-ons or macros, and takes about 15 minutes to set up.
Last updated: August 2026
Get this template
What’s inside “Prior Art Reference Log”
Format: Starter CSV (column layout)Setup: About 15 minutesColumns: 5
Pre-built column headers
- References
- Patent No
- Relevance
- Claim
- Notes
- Download the starter CSV — the column headers above are already in place.
- Open it in Google Sheets (File → Import) or Excel — no macros or add-ons needed.
- Rename, add, or remove columns so it matches how you actually work.
The file opens locally on your device — nothing is uploaded, and you own the copy outright.
Prior Art Reference Log
About this template
It is built for people who want results without another subscription: searchers organizing prior-art references. The whole template is free to copy — there is no paid tier. Because it is a plain spreadsheet, you own your data outright and can shape every column to how you actually work.
Review evidence
What to verify before choosing Prior Art Reference Log
Use the review criteria below to decide whether this template fits your workflow.
Often worth considering when
- +Searchers organizing prior-art references
- +Anyone mapping references to claims
Pause before choosing when
- -Patent-database import
- -Automated claim charts
About Patent Search Service
Why people consider this option
- +Track search projects, prior art, and billing without paid software
- +Keep every reference and client in a file you own
- +Know hours and fees per project
What to review before acting
- -No patent-database or IP-docketing integration without a tool
- -Larger firms eventually need IP practice software
Trust FAQ
Questions people ask before copying a template
Does the Prior Art Reference Log work in both Google Sheets and Excel?
Yes. It is built with standard functions and no macros, so it opens and works the same in Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel — on desktop or your phone.
Is the Prior Art Reference Log really free?
The core template is free to copy and use. There is no paid tier — download the starter CSV, adjust the columns, and you are ready to work.
What does the Prior Art Reference Log track?
It tracks references, patent no, relevance, claim, notes. The starter CSV lays out these columns in order; add totals or highlights with basic formulas like SUM once your data is in.