I don't know if this question has been dealt with on this list but I am
curious for other users experience and/or advice.
Up until recently I have been conducting patent family searches (quite
happily) via ORBIT on the WPAT and INPADOC databases (using the FPAT
command).
I have had occasions recently to try STN's WPINDEX and INPADOC databases.
Using the FSEARCH command I retrieved a different (ie much larger) set of
results compared to an ORBIT Family search on the same databases. In
general I understand why the STN family search results in larger numbers
than the ORBIT family search. Indeed, I generally find most of the
'additional' records located using STNs iteration function irrelevant.
However, there has been occasions when records located in an STN INPADOC
Family search (FSEARCH) has identified very important records NOT identified
in the ORBIT INPADOC Family search (FPAT).
My question is what are other users experience? Do they have a preference
when it comes to family searches? Are there any benifits or disadvantages
in choosing one over the other?
I would be grateful for any responses.
Cheers
Rodney Cruise
Information Services Manager
Phillips Ormonde & Fitzpatrick