An effective patent search requires the ability to identify abstract definitions and keywords that relate to the fundamentals of the invention. In a medical device patent application, these ‘abstract’ or ‘generic’ keywords relate to features such as shape, material action being exercised by the invention, or the target tissue.

These “abstract” or “generic” keywords can then be employed in a subsequent patent search. When describing features of an invention, these abstract or generic keywords are general, ambiguous, and non-specific.

Abstract/generic keywords are used in various parts of the patent text, because they provide broad coverage of the claimed invention.

Abstract/Generic Keywords

• are only generally indicative to field of invention
• cover a large number of patents, but are very likely to identify significant IP
• are optimal for de novo searches for covering IP landscape related to a new invention

Another way to reach one set of keywords is by using alternate terminology e.g. "Pressure sores" OR "Decubitus ulcers." In the embodiment field you should also think of all forms of the words: such as Gerund, Noun, Adjective, Adverb, Verb, and any other part of speech you can think about.

Table of Contents

1. Who is an Inventor
2. Patents and Patent Classes
3. Goals of Patent Search
4. Benefits From Patent Search
5. Keywords: Before You Start!
• Abstract
• Specific
• Specialized
• Know Fellow Inventors
• Combine Keywords
6. How to Search
7. Tips, Tricks, and Observations