1. Paper retrieval: Paper carrier is the main form of patent literature and the main object of retrieval.
The main advantages: the paper retrieval method is the least prone to mistakes and the most evidence-effective. However, the patent retrieval process is inefficient, time-consuming and laborious, easy to lose, and the printing and distribution cycle is long, so it is difficult to retrieve the latest information.
2. Software retrieval; Refers to patent literature retrieval including microfilm, computer magnetic media and CD-ROM.
The main advantages of microfilm and magnetic media are: small occupation space, high storage density, long storage time and easy copying of patent documents. However, the limited enjoyment of * * * limits its scope of use and the update speed is limited.
3. Online retrieval is favored by users because of its incomparable data advantages, convenient retrieval and no time and space constraints, and has become the main way of patent retrieval. Nowadays, online patent retrieval will become the most important and fastest retrieval method.