1. Procedure prior to searching
1.1 Analysis of the application
A revised version of this publication entered into force. |
When taking up an application to be searched, the search division first considers the application in order to determine the subject of the claimed invention taking account of the guidance given in B‑III, 3. For this purpose it makes a critical analysis of the claims in the light of the description and drawings. The search division in particular considers the content of the claims, description and drawings sufficiently to identify the problem underlying the invention, the inventive concept leading to its solution, the features essential to the solution as found in the claims and the results and effects obtained (see, however, B‑III, 3.5). Furthermore, where technical features which are not present in the claims are indicated in the description as essential for the solution of the stated problem, these features are included in the search (see F‑IV, 4.3(ii) and T 32/82).