The search division does continuously evaluate the results of its search, and if necessary reformulates the subject of the search accordingly. For example, the selection of the classification units to be searched or the order of searching them may also require alteration during the search as a consequence of intermediate results obtained. The search division also uses its judgement, taking into account results obtained, in deciding at any time during the systematic search whether it needs to approach the search documentation in some different manner, e.g. by consulting:

or whether it needs to turn to documentation outside that which is available to the search divisions in-house (see B‑IX). When searching external document collections for material in relation to unpublished subject-matter using other than secure connections, like the internet, the search division must be extremely careful when formulating search strategies so as not to unwittingly reveal confidential material – i.e. any part of the unpublished patent application (see B‑III, 2.4).