On patent searching: the case of 3D-bioprinting

This study offers a commentary on the retrieval of patents related to 3D bioprinting. Patents contain technical information that can’t be retried from other sources. However, it is challenging to obtain this information precisely and comprehensively. A patent search strategy that focuses exclusively on the title and abstract may yield incomplete results, as patent documents possess a distinct intrinsic nature that differentiates them from those found in academic publications. A patent search, limited to the title and abstract, whether in isolation or in combination, may offer only a preliminary, general perspective on a technology and its underlying inventions. For a comprehensive understanding, it is imperative to consider additional elements, such as bibliographic data, including patent classification codes, and claims. The classification symbols are independent of the language used and have the capacity to enhance a patent landscape or patent prior art to a considerable degree.