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This search is conducted upon receiving a general product or business method description. All issued patents are analyzed, expired or not. Because a product may have more than one invention associated with it, this search usually results in the citations of many patents and published applications. Typically a larger number of documents are cited and are often categorized according to the primary features of the invention. The search report is usually 5 to 20 pages and includes a restatement of the subject features under investigation, a listing and description of the classes and subclasses searched, a listing of all keywords and Boolean logic used, the names and telephone numbers of examiners contacted, and a brief but detailed discussion of each reference. The report has a table that maps each reference to a specific subject feature that directs you to text and drawings in a reference, and shows the assignee at the time of issuance. We also include paper or electronic copies of the most pertinent patents and technical publications identified during the search. For legal protection, confidentiality is ensured. |
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