Timelines places matching cases on a shared visual timeline so you can compare when important events occurred. Use it to review procedural history across multiple matters and spot similarities or differences in how cases progressed.
What it tells you
Section titled “What it tells you”Timelines displays one row for each matching case and plots significant recorded events along that case’s timeline.
Depending on the available data, timeline events can include items such as:
- case filing and termination
- decisions and orders
- claim construction activity
- determinations
- remedies
- appeals and other significant litigation events
Select an event marker to see additional information about that event.
Questions it can answer
Section titled “Questions it can answer”- How did a group of similar cases progress over time?
- Which cases reached important events earlier or later than others?
- When did key decisions, remedies, or appeals occur?
- Do cases involving a particular party, judge, court, or patent show similar procedural patterns?
- Where are the major differences in timing across the selected matters?
How to interpret the analysis
Section titled “How to interpret the analysis”Timelines shows the sequence and timing of recorded events for each case that matches your search criteria.
Each row represents a case. Event markers show when significant activity occurred, making it possible to compare several case histories on the same scale.
You can view the timeline using calendar dates or, where available, relative timing from the complaint filing date. Relative timing can be useful when cases began at different times but you want to compare how quickly they reached similar events.
The timeline is a visual summary of recorded litigation activity. It should be used to identify patterns and cases for closer review rather than as a measure of performance or outcome.
Filters and defaults
Section titled “Filters and defaults”Start by selecting the cases you want to compare.
Common filters can include:
- patents or other library-specific properties
- parties
- courts
- case filing date
- judges
Use Add Another Filter to include other available criteria. After the timeline opens, use Edit Filters or related filters to refine the case population.
Available filters vary by library.
Reading the results
Section titled “Reading the results”Cases are listed vertically, with events plotted from left to right.
Use the position of the markers to compare when similar events occurred across different cases. Hover over or select a marker to identify the event and its date.
When several events occur close together, the timeline may group them visually. Use the event details and underlying records when you need the complete procedural history.
Explore the underlying records
Section titled “Explore the underlying records”Use the case and event information in the timeline to continue into the related Docket Navigator records.
Open the underlying documents or case records when you need the full context for a decision, remedy, determination, or other event shown on the timeline.
Important considerations
Section titled “Important considerations”Timelines reflects significant events recorded in Docket Navigator. It is a visual research aid rather than a complete substitute for the docket.
The usefulness of the comparison depends on the cases and filters you select, so compare matters with similar characteristics when timing differences are important to your research.