Quality in patent information retrieval – Communication as the key factor

The perception of what constitutes the key quality factor of a patent search varies considerably, depending on the customers’ background and intended use of the search results. A distinction can be made between what may be termed intrinsic quality as a measure of the search process and its environment combined with the searcher’s skills and extrinsic quality, which aims to define the usefulness of the results for the customer. Intrinsic and extrinsic quality factors all require an intensive and on-going communication between the searcher and the customer: quality can only be achieved through partnership.

► A series of quality factors have been proposed for patent search service providers and their clients.
► Defining the needs of the customer is the most important quality factor for service providers.
► Quality can only be achieved through partnership and communication between the searcher and the customer.