Before computers were widely used in the field of information retrieval, before networking provided the possibility of enjoying information to the maximum, the main methods of patent retrieval were paper retrieval and software retrieval.
Paper carrier is the main form of patent literature and the main object of retrieval. Generally speaking, the materials searched by paper retrieval are the least likely to make mistakes and the most evidential. But in the process of patent retrieval, it is inefficient, time-consuming and laborious, and it is easy to be lost and damaged. In addition, due to the long printing and distribution cycle, it is difficult to retrieve the latest materials.
Software retrieval usually includes microfilm, computer magnetic media and CD-ROM patent literature retrieval. Microfilm patent literature has developed rapidly because of its small space, high storage density, long preservation time and easy copying. It has become one of the main means to store the full text of patents. Magnetic media mainly includes magnetic tape and magnetic disk, which has the advantages of high storage density, small volume, free loading and unloading and long-term storage, so it is widely used. When digital storage technology brings CD-ROM into the field of document collection, various forms of patent database CD-ROM came into being. As a new media, CD-ROM is called "the carrier of future patent documents". With the development and popularization of computer technology, CD-ROM database has played an important role in patent retrieval and patent full-text acquisition. Although CD retrieval is fast, the limited enjoyment of CD retrieval limits its application scope and the speed of updating is limited.
With the development of network technology, online patent resources are favored by users because of their unparalleled data advantages, convenient retrieval and no time and space constraints, and become the main way of patent retrieval. Online patent retrieval has gradually matured, and now online patent retrieval will become the most important and fastest retrieval method. Online search is fast and novel, but it has no legal effect. If it is to be used as evidence, relevant departments need to produce corresponding certificates, or download the certificates through legally recognized departments.