I am resubmitting the following which was bounced from the list.
One of the interesting things about patent information these days is
that it is increasingly available to all. Historically there were
relatively few people with access to this information (geographical
problems) and a small number of people with the skills to do any
searching of any quality and any depth. Another important factor is
that patent information is a massive and growing pool of information as
is the non-patent literature which in may experience is more important
from a prior art point of view. Coupled with this is the massive growth
of interest in patent information...more people (not experienced patent
searchers) want and need access to this information for all sorts of
reasons. Most of these reasons do not require the depth of skill
possessed by most of the people on this list ( I'm afraid that I am
devoid of the force!).
I believe that Mr Black's book is unlikely to be of any value to most of
you...you are the elite so his post is, as we say in the UK, like
"Taking Coals to Newcastle" ! However, I for one would like to see the
searching skills of all improved. I think you will all agree that a
good keyword search is better than a bad keyword search.
As a patent agent I often instruct patent searchers having first
discussed an invention with one or more inventors. It would be great if
these inventors could arrive at my office with some relevant prior art
when we discuss the invention. If their preliminary searching skills can
be improved I'm all for it. Especially, if the inventor finds that the
most relevant prior art is a dead ringer for the new invention and was
the subject of a patent naming his predecessor as inventor!
I agree with Mr Zimmerman lets read the book and then decide on its
relevance and where best it can be used.
The language of Mr Black's e-mail has obviously irritated a number of
you but lets try and keep decorum on the list.
Regards,
Nick White
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