>Are there courses or seminars that provide in-depth
>instruction on patent searching?
>
>I have attended some basis Derwent seminars
>(in the US) but am interested in knowing what resources
>exist for futher training?
>
>Seeing the recent post here regarding a searching course
>prompted this question.
>
>Has anyone compiled a FAQ or bibliography of resources
>for persons interested in indepth education for patent searching?
Someone who wants to be good at patent searching certainly needs to take the
available training courses. I use Dialog a lot so I am familiar with their
courses, but you mustn't forget the world also includes Orbit, STN, etc. and
each has its own training opportunities.
Dialog has special databases just for training purposes that can be accessed
for free (using special free ONTAP account numbers). The other providers
probably do too.
The Derwent courses are also important. Derwent and Dialog also publish
good books on this subject. Another important resource (for those who use
Dialog) are the "database chapters" for WPI, Inpadoc, Claims/US, Copyrights,
etc.
But in all of this, there is no substitute for real-life work under the
close supervision of experienced patent searchers. That learning experience
is not available any other way.
If somebody in PIUG wishes to write a little FAQ on this subject, and needs
a place to post it, I would be happy to find a place for it on our
www.patents.com web site.
--- Carl Oppedahl, oppedahl@patents.com Oppedahl & Larson, patent law firm http://www.patents.com/ is a web server with frequently asked questions and answers on patent law and other intellectual property subjects