How Microsoft Word Suggests Research Content While You Write
A system that automatically fetches and suggests relevant research data and outlines directly inside word processors or note-taking apps based on what you are currently writing.
Original patent title: “Productivity tools for content authoring”
A system that automatically fetches and suggests relevant research data and outlines directly inside word processors or note-taking apps based on what you are currently writing. Granted to Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC in 2019 with 23 claims and 1 forward citation.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a smart assistant integrated into word processors like Microsoft Word or OneNote. When you type a query or a topic, the software identifies your intent and pulls structured information from external data sources. If you want to dig deeper, the system uses your previous search results as context to perform a more refined, recursive search. You can then insert these research findings—such as headings or outlines—directly into your document without leaving the app.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover general web search engines that operate outside of a content authoring application.
- Does not cover manual copy-pasting of information from a web browser into a document.
- Does not cover systems that lack a specific 'explore command' to refine searches using previous results as context.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The system uses the results of your previous searches as 'context' for the next search, creating a recursive loop that narrows down information quality without the user having to re-type their intent.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Microsoft Word Researcher pane
OneNote research integration
Modern AI-powered sidebars in document editors
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology is a precursor to modern AI-assisted writing tools. It automates the tedious process of switching between a browser and a document editor to find facts, citations, or document structures, keeping the user in a 'flow state' while writing.
Filed
September 28, 2014
Granted
February 19, 2019
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Microsoft is the primary developer of this technology, integrating these features into the Microsoft 365 suite. Other companies like Google are building similar contextual research assistants within Google Docs.
Market impact
This patent helped standardize the expectation that professional writing software should act as a research assistant, not just a text editor. It contributed to the shift toward 'smart' document interfaces where the application proactively suggests content rather than waiting for user input.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a smart assistant integrated into word processors like Microsoft Word or OneNote. When you type a query or a topic, the software identifies your intent and pulls structured information from external data sources. If you want to dig deeper, the system uses your previous search results as context to perform a more refined, recursive search. You can then insert these research findings—such as headings or outlines—directly into your document without leaving the app.
The clever bit
The system uses the results of your previous searches as 'context' for the next search, creating a recursive loop that narrows down information quality without the user having to re-type their intent.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover general web search engines that operate outside of a content authoring application.
- Does not cover manual copy-pasting of information from a web browser into a document.
- Does not cover systems that lack a specific 'explore command' to refine searches using previous results as context.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
6/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
15/20
Broad claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
10/20
Granted 5–10 years ago
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$78K – $250K
Midpoint $156K · 8.3 yr remaining · industry ×1.6
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
23 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Reyes, L., Kohlmeier, B. S. J., Southward, V. W., & Chilakamarri, P. (2019). How Microsoft Word Suggests Research Content While You Write (U.S. Patent No. 10,210,146). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10210146/fluent-design-system
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Microsoft Word Suggests Research Content While You Write cover?
A system that automatically fetches and suggests relevant research data and outlines directly inside word processors or note-taking apps based on what you are currently writing.
Who owns patent US 10210146?
Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC owns this patent, granted in 2019.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on February 19, 2039, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 10210146 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology is a precursor to modern AI-assisted writing tools. It automates the tedious process of switching between a browser and a document editor to find facts, citations, or document structures, keeping the user in a 'flow state' while writing.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover general web search engines that operate outside of a content authoring application.
Same assignee
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