uk patent office search

How effective patent search?

For an effective search, it is always better to see a brief description of what your invention is. Initially, the problem and solution to overcome. Your solution may be in the form of new processes, products, equipment, apparatus, article or mere ornamental design. A comprehensive strategy for the search will be three main steps inevitable, and they are:

(1) General keywords search = more hits

(2) classification code search = can not be determined (depending on the subject of the invention)

(3) Hybrid search (classification code (s) + keyword (s)) = No fewer hits (depending on the subject of the invention)

(1) keyword search

Identification of similar conditions in terms of your proposed invention is mandatory. Jargon has its own importance, during the execution of search keywords. It helps you to existing patents (sometimes maybe not, it depends on the patentable subject matter) maintains product (s) or overlap your processes "so-called" invention. In addition, you can identify, classify Strategizer codes and different ways of preparing a patent specification.

(2) classification code search

Secondly, the relevant patent classification codes in relation to your invention. Perform classification code search (without keywords), to see the noise in the desired area. In the two steps above, you can end with false positives, and they are predictable. Currently, access to commercial databases using IPC-R (IPC revised) version. This allows a dynamic search of advanced composition; subclass level, core and / or invention level searches. However, one of the false positives, the third step, quite promising.

(3) Hybrid search (classification code (s) + keyword (s))

Zero in on a search of the hybrid system allows for the use. In particular, Boolean operators will assist you with the retrieval of patent documents possible, you are looking for. Most of the time, the hybrid search pitch less number of published patent documents in comparison with the other two steps. However, for more results, you can change the keywords that were in the first step. Keyword changes are calibrated by appositely patent classification codes.

What comes next?

Always, intuition plays an important role. Think about the search detects your solution means that it is an unclaimed property; fence is. Once the search resulted in the necessary pre-art patents, please read the complete specification, understand the nuances of patent preparation and presentation strategy. To conclude, there is no hard and fast rule to an effective search. However, it is a crucial factor.

Search and Re-search effective until your patent application is granted!

Premraj Rajagopal
E-mail: preminform@gmail.com