In the keyword based search section of a patent search strategy, the worst thing a searcher can do is believe he has covered all variations.
Now of course, citation and classification searches take care of some part missed by keyword searches, but a good keyword strategy is also important to cover up the part missed by classification and citations.
Reaching a dead stop in variations is normal. The best thing to do after you reach a dead-end is to review the basics.
Now of course, citation and classification searches take care of some part missed by keyword searches, but a good keyword strategy is also important to cover up the part missed by classification and citations.
Reaching a dead stop in variations is normal. The best thing to do after you reach a dead-end is to review the basics.
- Go back to your search concepts and check if they have been broken up a single subject - verb - object level.
- Check variations focusing on the verb, as this is the portion which is usually overlooked / not delved into deeper.
- Run through the initial search results / control patents and observe the variation proximity for a final check.