Etsy Published a New Search Patent
06. Dec, 2012 
8 Comments
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New Search Feature Coming to Etsy?
On November 22, 2012, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) published a patent to Etsy, Inc. titled, “Systems and Methods for Guided Construction of a Search Query in an Electronic Commerce Environment”.
The patent describes the invention in both a lengthy narratives (34 pages) as well as diagrams (7 images) showing what the future search feature might look like.
Based on the diagrams, it appears this search feature would allow a user to type in a keyword while other related keywords appear underneath the search bar to allow a more specific search phrase to be created. One diagram shows that there might be a new side bar that would allow a search to be further refined by color, theme, style, materials, purpose, specification, technique, or gift recipient.
Through my interpretation of the patent legal language description, you could consider this patent as trying to “help or assist” the buyer to find the real or best keyword phrase they are looking for – a type of “guided construction” of a search phrase – as the patent title implies. The additional search refinement appears to try and allow potential customers the ability to narrow their search in hopes of finding what they are looking for more easily.
One thing to consider, not all patents that companies file actually make it into production. So, just because this patent is now public information in the WIPO patent library means that Etsy could implement this tomorrow, a few months from now, or never. Only Etsy knows the true purpose behind this patent.
I hope this information helps you as an Etsy seller become aware of what is happening in the news at Etsy and how it can impact your business’ operations. This would not be the first time Etsy “tweaks” the search feature and it would probably not be the last. Appearing in the right place in Etsy’s search for the proper keywords is paramount to higher levels of success on Etsy.
To check out the entire patent that Etsy published click HERE.
In the comments below tell us what you think about this new patent Etsy has published.
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Find out more about Etsy-preneurship here.
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Once again your article is informative and useful to etsians . Thank you so much for this information . Diana
Luna Essence
Now I’d come up with a search feature like that in my head but had no tech skills to invent it! Oh bring it on. Please attach guided missiles for all who tag so abombinably wrongly.
While making treasuries, I have longed to be able to refine searches to eliminate a raft of stuff that is not what I’m looking for. I for one am hoping Santa will have this in his sack for us ina few weeks, not that we want to rush you Etsy.
If you need volunteers to trial it, my hand is up.
And, my fellow Etsy sellers, please start tagging colours. I can’t believe how many sellers don’t include the colour(s) of their item when they add tags.
Streamlined searching is always helpful! Yay Etsy!!
Looks like a Rube Goldberg design, but anything would work better than the current “improved” search.
Sounds kind of helpful – I’m interested in actually seeing it in action. I’m sure it will convince me I need to tweak my keywords again – got to stay up to date with those changing search engine algorithms!
I hope it goes into action soon! Great feature to have.