We are currently developing a new site to host the Patent Manual of Practice and Procedure. The BETA version of this site is now available for you to review. The information and content displayed in the BETA site is only available for testing purposes. Do not use or reference the information in the BETA site when making any decisions or actions regarding IP rights.

1.10.2 International Online Specialists

Date Published

Some examination sections designate a particular examiner as being their “primary searcher”, whilst other sections do not utilize a primary searcher, but rather all examiners in the section, or at least those with the acceptance delegation, are familiar with all procedures relating to international and on-line searching.  Where an examiner requires on-line searching expertise for a technology outside their section, they should approach the supervising examiner, or a senior examiner, of the other section to ascertain an appropriate source of that expertise.

A primary searcher is responsible for providing advice on the section's international search strategies and on-line database searching, and normally does the bulk of the advisory work. The primary searcher is also responsible, particularly when going on leave, for ensuring that a designated back-up searcher is familiar with all procedures relating to international and on-line searching in the section.

The back-up searcher acts for the primary searcher when the latter is not available. The back-up should be an experienced searcher and should be familiar with all procedures relating to international and on-line database searching in the sub-section.

Back to top