Common mistakes in keyword queries
This topic describes some common mistakes in keyword query syntax, as well as how to correct them.
Note: To learn about entering keyword queries, see Using the keyword search.
Missing parentheses
|
Incorrect Query |
Explanation |
Corrected Query |
|
color <AND>((laser <OR> inkjet) <AND> printer |
Closing parenthesis is missing. |
color <AND>((laser <OR> inkjet) <AND> printer) |
Missing operand
|
Incorrect Query |
Explanation |
Corrected Query |
|
<AND>printer |
Operand before <AND> is missing. |
laser<AND> printer |
|
laser<OR> |
Operand after <OR> is missing. |
laser <OR>printer |
|
laser <NOT> <AND>printer |
Operand after <NOT> is missing. |
laser<AND> <NOT>printer |
|
laser <AND><IN> ET |
Operand after <AND> is missing. |
laser <AND>printer<IN> ET |
|
(laser<AND>) printer |
Operand after <AND> is missing. |
(laser <AND>color)<AND>printer |
|
laser<NOT> |
Operand after <NOT> is missing. |
laser<AND> <NOT>printer |
|
(laser<NOT>) <AND> printer |
Operand after <NOT> is missing. |
(laser<AND> <NOT>color) <AND> printer |
|
laser<NOT><IN> ET |
Operand after <NOT> is missing. |
laser <NOT>printer<IN> ET |
|
<+2>printer |
Operand before <+2> is missing. |
laser<+2>printer |
|
laser <5> |
Operand after <5> is missing. |
laser<5>printer |
Invalid NEAR-phrase
|
Incorrect Query |
Explanation |
Corrected Query |
|
laser <0> (color <255> printer) |
Parentheses inside a NEAR-phrase are not valid. |
laser<0>color <255> printer |
|
laser<0> (color printer) |
Parentheses inside a NEAR-phrase are not valid. |
laser<0>color printer |
|
color<5> <NOT>(printer) |
Boolean operators inside a NEAR-phrase are not valid. |
color <5><!>printer |
Invalid expression for specifying patent fields
|
Incorrect Query |
Explanation |
Corrected Query |
|
laser <IN> (ET <OR> ABS) |
Boolean operators cannot be applied to patent fields. |
(laser <IN> ET)<OR>(laser <IN> ABS) |
|
(laser <IN> ET) <IN> ABS |
The <IN> operator cannot be embedded within another <IN> expression. |
(laser <IN> ET)<AND>(laser <IN> ABS) |