2. Understand The Invention
Thoroughly read and understand the application.
Understand the background of the invention.
Understand the problem of the prior art.
Consider the improvement of the prior art.
Consider and understand of the invention.
Consider the difference between the prior art and the invention.
3. Analyze and Understand the
Claim(s) Of the Invention
Check the formality of the claim(s).
Check the claims for any 35 USC 112, first/second paragraph issues.
Check the claims dependence.
Make a claim tree diagram.
Draw a claim drawing.
Read a claim in a figure of the invention.
Compare a claim drawing with a figure of the invention.
4. Form Your Search
Search No. 1
Use the Classification Index Manual to find the Class of the invention.
Use the Classification Manual to find the Subclass of the invention.
Use the Classification Manual to find the definition and Cross Class/Subclass
of the invention.
Perform a cross Classes/Subclasses search.
Search No. 2
Select a key word(s) of the invention.
Select a functional or proximate word(s) of the invention.
Select words related to the key word(s) of the invention.
Combine the key word(s), the functional/proximate word(s), and the related
word(s) for searching.
Search No. 3
Compare the Search No. 1 result with the Search No. 2.
5. Search Engine(s)
Use EAST or WEST with USPAT, JPO, EPO, DERWENT, and IBMTDB
data bases checked for Classification and Text search.
Use the best searched art for Classification search.
Further use NPL, IEEE, DIALOGUE, INTERNET…etc.
Use STIC, PLUS, ITRP…etc. help.
