Volume 4 Searching

Table of Contents

4.1 Search Theory

• 4.1.1 Objectives of the Search
• 4.1.2 Iterative Searching

4.2 Patent Classifications

• ​​​​​​​4.2.1 Patent Classification Systems
  • 4.2.1.1 International Patent Classification (IPC)
    • 4.2.1.1.1 Structure of the IPC
    • 4.2.1.1.2 Headings and Titles
    • 4.2.1.1.3 Definitions, Warnings and Notes
    • 4.2.1.1.4 Function-Oriented and Application-Oriented Places
    • 4.2.1.1.5 References
    • 4.2.1.1.6 Indexing Codes
  • 4.2.1.2 Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​4.2.1.2.1 Structure of the CPC and 2000 Series
    • ​​​​​​​4.2.1.2.2 Headings and Titles
    • ​​​​​4.2.1.2.3 Definitions, Notes and Warnings
    • 4.2.1.2.4 Function-Oriented and Application-Oriented Places
    • 4.2.1.2.5 References
    • 4.2.1.2.6 Combination Set (C-set)
    • 4.2.1.2.7 CPC Revisions
• 4.2.2 Principles of Classification
  • 4.2.2.1 Invention Information and Additional Information
    • 4.2.2.1.1 Application of Indexing Codes/2000 Series
    • 4.2.2.1.2 Classifying in Residual Places
    • 4.2.2.1.3 Places that cannot be the First Symbol
  • 4.2.2.2 Classification Priority Rules
    • 4.2.2.2.1 Common Rule
    • 4.2.2.2.2 First Place Priority Rule
    • 4.2.2.2.3 Last Place Priority Rule
    • 4.2.2.2.4 Special Rules
    • 4.2.2.2.5 Classifying a Combination of Technical Subjects
  • 4.2.2.3 Classifying in Function-Oriented and Application-Oriented Places
    • 4.2.2.3.1 Selection of Classification Places
  • 4.2.2.4 Classifying Chemical Compounds
  • 4.2.2.5 CPC Classification Rules
  • 4.2.2.6 Classification using C-sets
    • 4.2.2.6.1 Information Value of the Allocation
    • 4.2.2.6.2 Allocation of C-Sets to a Document
    • 4.2.2.6.3 C-Sets Syntax Rules
    • 4.2.2.6.4 Guidance about C-Sets Information in Scheme and Definitions
• 4.2.3 Other Classification Information
  • 4.2.3.1 Sub-Codes - Discontinued
  • 4.2.3.2 The Australian Classification System - Discontinued
  • 4.2.3.3 Indexing According to IPC Edition (2006) - Discontinued
  • 4.2.3.4 Master Classification Database (MDC)
    • 4.2.3.4.1 Access to the MCD Data
    • 4.2.3.4.2 Correction of MCD Data
  • 4.2.3.5 Recording Classification Symbols on Machine-Readable Records
    • 4.2.3.5.1 Recording IPC Symbol
  • 4.2.3.6 Presentation of Classification Symbols and Indexing Codes on Patent Documents

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​4.3 Initial Search Considerations

• 4.3.1 Construction and the Inventive Concept
• 4.3.2 Earlier Search Results
• 4.3.3 Additional Searching
• 4.3.4 Top-Up Searching
• 4.3.5 Preliminary Search
• 4.3.6 Applicant and/or Inventor Name Searching

4.4 Development of the Search Strategy​​​​​​​

• 4.4.1 Three Person Teams (3PT)
• 4.4.2 Search Strategy Considerations
  • 4.4.2.1 Independent Claims
  • 4.4.2.2 Dependent Claims
  • 4.4.2.3 Broad Claims
  • 4.4.2.4 Reserving the Search
  • 4.4.2.5 Controlled Language
• 4.4.3 Search Area
  • 4.4.3.1 Patent Literature
  • 4.4.3.2 Searching Using Classification
    • 4.4.3.2.1 How to Find Classification Symbols for a Search
    • 4.4.3.2.2 How to Use Classification Symbols in Searching
    • 4.4.3.2.3 Japanese FI/F-Term Classification
  • 4.4.3.3 Non-Patent Literature

4.5 Conducting the Search

• 4.5.1 Analysis of the Results
• 4.5.2 Cessation of Search

4.6 Recording the Search Details

4.7 Annexures

• Annex D - Search Information Statement
• Annex E - Examples and Instructions for Completing the SIS for Sequence and Chemical Structure Searches
• Annex P - The Role of the Three Person Team (3PT) in Searching

4.8 User Guides
 

Unless otherwise noted, this section relates to searching practice in general which is applicable to both international and national searching.

See also 6.1.1 International Searching, 3.3.1 Use of FERs (earlier search and examination reports) and 5.6.4.5 Third Party Notifications.

Searching Framework

Volume 4 is intended to provide a framework for searching in general. The following sections may be used as a guide to the search process and may either be followed in order or referred to as issues arise.