Workflow
- Start with exact terms, classifications, or product features.
- Add semantic retrieval for adjacent terminology and concepts.
- Compare merged candidates with filters and evidence inspection.
- Freeze selected results into reports or watchlists.
Glossary
What is hybrid patent search?
Hybrid patent search combines lexical matching with semantic retrieval. It helps teams review exact terms, classifications, and conceptually similar evidence in one workflow rather than choosing between keyword search and vector search.
Evidence model
- Hybrid search can preserve multiple retrieval reasons for the same candidate.
- Reviewers inspect source evidence before acting.
- Selected evidence can be used in downstream workflows.
What IPClavis does not do
- Claim that one retrieval mode is always sufficient.
- Hide evidence behind a black-box answer.
- Replace manual review of claims and descriptions.
Legal boundary
Hybrid search improves discovery and triage. It does not make legal or technical determinations by itself.