The Figure details a novel search method and strategy. The search may include,
in an integrated package: Prior art technology search;
Patentability search; Infringement search; Early warning threats search.

a. A choice is given to applicant: either to use search utilities at the
patent attorney's site, or to download our search program to his computer.
QualSearch™ - our office search, may include, among others: Prior art
technology search; Patentability search; Infringement search; Early warning
threats search.

b. Initially, the user sets the parameters for the search:
* Type of search (ie Technology, Patentability, Infringement, EW)
* Terms or keywords for the search
* Sources to be used, such as specific patent offices, free resources,
paid sources for searches.
* Limiting factors, such as limiting the search in time, cost, number
of entries, geographic scope, etc.
* Invention definition, such as a list of keywords or keywords in
mathematic form, such as a Boolean expression.

c. Devising the Search and Evaluation Strategy, according to the
selected parameters and other variables and algorithms stored in the system.

d. Technology search - performed if chosen or if necessary as
preliminary for another of the searches. Used to gather accepted terms used
in a specific scientific discipline, relevant scientific laws, information on
commercial products or other info.

e. Patentability search - evaluates the chance of getting a patent
approved. The relevant prior art may include patents, patent applications,
technical publications, products on the market, etc.

Even unpublished applications (not yet available in a search) may prevent one
from receiving a patent.
This search may use results from Technology search, ie terms, products.

f. Infringement search - evaluates the chance of infringing on
another's patent.
This search may use results from Technology search, ie terms, products.

g. Early Warning search - warns of emerging technologies, as disclosed
in newly published patents or patent applications.
This search may use results from Technology search, Patentability
and/or Infringement search.

h. Results processing - the search results may be verified, consolidated
and purged to remove multiple listings, etc.

i. Reports - various reports may be issued, either textual, tabular
and/or graphic, as desired.

j. The search results may also be used to refine the search strategy, in a
multi-iterative process as illustrated. The initial selection of search
strategy may be disconnected from the actual prior art; using preliminary
results, the search strategy may be improved.