Index  | Search
		Basic search tips Searches can be performed in the worldwide, European (EP) and WIPO (PCT) databases. Each search mask contains a number of search fields corresponding to the type of data that can be searched. You can choose between: • Quick search, which allows you to search for keywords in the title/abstract or for a person/organisation (applicant and/or inventor) • Advanced search, which enables you to search in the bibliographic data , including the abstract when available • Number search, which allows you to retrieve a specific publication number, application number, priority number with or without country code prefix or NPL reference number. You can enter a maximum of four search terms per field and a total of 21 search terms per mask. For the publication number , application number and priority number fields, if more than one term is entered, the default operator is OR. This means that you can enter your search terms without having to type the default operator . For all other fields, the default operator is AND. The default operator for combining two or more input fields is AND. Here are some tips to get you started: • Enter your search terms in lower-case. The search engine will find both upper- and lower-case instances of your search term. • Enclose terms in quotation marks if you want to search for phrases. • Expand your searches by combining your search terms with the OR operator. The search engine will find records that contain at least one of your search terms. • Narrow your searches by combining your search terms with the AND operator. The search engine will find records that contain all of your search terms. • Exclude records that are not relevant to your search by placing the NOT operator in front of the relevant search term. • The best results are obtained when searches are performed gradually and thoroughly. For more information on patent searching, see the following pages: • Default operators • Boolean operators • Truncation • Nested queries • Limitations