Searches

The relevance of document searches has recently become much more apparent due to the profusion of information which has now become widely accessible via the Internet. Searches can be invaluable aids in the intellectual property field, primarily as methods of obtaining conclusive proof of the existence of various types of prior art technologies. However, due to the increasing complexity of both the technological state-of-the-art and the tools which are at our disposal, it has become increasingly difficult to perform productive searches.

The first step in performing a productive search is to pinpoint exactly what is being sought. Rash is the person who jumps into the database jungle in slapdash fashion without having an idea of where to go. Thus, technical knowledge is crucial in helping the searcher to visualize the target, so that upon beginning the search and entering the database jungle, the searcher will immediately be able to direct himself (e.g. by using the right combination of keywords) to the target and be able to come right back out, hopefully with the needed information in-hand. Once the descriptions of the client have coalesced into an image of the target, the searcher must know where to look for the information and how to utilize the database tools which are at his disposal. There are many public and semi-public databases in Japan which specialize in patent-related publications as well as general scientific and technical publications. In order to perform comprehensive but efficient searches, it is important to have a knowledge of the tools which are at hand and to have access to these tools.

As described above, we at Sonoda & Kobayashi believe that a proper search must entail both a strong understanding of technical subject matter and extensive knowledge of the ever-changing database situation. Therefore, all of our searchs are performed by a team including both engineers and at least one search specialist who work closely together in order to perform searches swiftly, efficiently and productively.