3. The subject of the search
3.13 Technological background
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A revised version of this publication entered into force. |
In certain circumstances it may be desirable to extend the subject-matter of the search to include the "technological background" of the invention. This would include:
– the preamble to the first claim, i.e. the part preceding the expression "characterised by" or "characterised in that";
– the state of the art which in the introduction of the description of the application is said to be known, but not identified by specific citations;
– the general technological background of the invention (often called "general state of the art").