Search String types

Broad Search Strings

• Result sets are in wide range.
• Objective is to catch as many prior art as possible
• When narrow strings are not providing desired results.
   
• Most Helpful When: 
• Researcher is not familiar with the subtleties and nuances of a patent 
• Researchers need to learn broader themes (classifications), keywords, and ideas for the patent study

    

Narrow Searches

• To obtain very focused research results
• The main Goal is expanding on specific areas 
• When domain has too much of documents   

• Most Helpful When: 
• You already have most relevant keywords, themes (classifications), and ideas   
• You have identified the specific areas where more detail is needed

   

Combination Logic

Combination of both narrow and broad search strings are very helpful in finding relevant prior art. There are various methods of making combination logic.

• broad theme and narrow keywords.
• narrow keywords and broad keywords.
• broad keywords and narrow search scope (eg. searching only in title)
• narrow keywords and broad scope

NOTE: 

1. always remember date criteria.
2. start with the software and databases your are comfortable.
3. Go for new databases which you haven't tried yet but could yield something.