IPA patent 4.4.3-search-area — IP Australia Patent Manual of Practice and Procedure – 4.4.3 Search Area

Also in this Chapter: 4.4.1 Three Person Teams (3PT) 4.4.2 Search Strategy Considerations Sub-chapters: 4.4.3.1 Patent Literature 4.4.3.2 Searching Using Classification 4.4.3.3 Non-Patent Literature Searching has evolved to the point where it is now predominantly performed by electronic means, such as by accessing online databases via AbS, STN, or the Internet and using techniques such as keyword, classification, or structure/sequence searching. The decision of where to search is a consideration for the three person team. The search area is largely technology dependent and will usually include a search of patent literature. A search of non-patent literature (NPL) will be necessary in certain technologies. The Patent Examination Workbench provides an extensive list of electronic databases and tools for searching. Subject matter experts within examination sections should be utilised if there is any doubt as to which tool to use.