Another type of keyword is one that describes the invention features in a specific manner. This differs from “abstract” or “generic” keywords in the ability to relate the claimed invention to well-defined features and allow the invention to be referred to a particular category.

In a medical device patent, a “specific” keyword applies to the same features of the invention such as shape, material, target tissue, medical action, technology etc., only more specifically.

Following are examples for the difference between generic and specific keywords:

Invention Feature	Generic	Specific
Shape	Tube	Catheter
Material	Metal	Nitinol
Target organ/tissue	Organ	Heart
Medical action	Heat Exchange	Cooling

Specific Keywords

• are specifically indicative in the field of invention
• can miss significant, generically-worded IP
• are optimal for retrieval of a previously known IP

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