Search Engine Patents

Introduction: Unraveling the World of Search Engine Patents

In the dynamic digital landscape, search engines have emerged as the gatekeepers of information, directing billions of online queries to their most relevant destinations daily. But behind these intricate algorithms and seemingly straightforward search bars lies a complex tapestry of innovations, safeguarded by numerous patents. These search engine patents provide a unique glimpse into the evolving strategies of search giants, the technological marvels they employ, and the lengths they go to ensure users find exactly what they’re looking for. Dive with us into the intricate world of search engine patents, where innovation meets intellectual property, and discover the gears and cogs that power your every online search.

Author Vectors Patent

google author vector patent
Author Vectors

Author vectors patient is a Google patent filed in 2018, which uses neural networks that can distinguish who writes content based on text classification. Author classification could someday be an influential ranking factor to determine what popular content is by distinguished authors in the SERPs (search engine result pages). Author classification has been used in libraries for decades to identify writing styles you may prefer to follow, so it makes sense to use it in search results.

Learn more about Author Vectors Patent

How Location Queries affect Search Results

Local Search Results

People don’t want to know where businesses are across the country (unless they are planning a trip), but they want to know what is immediately close to them to fulfill that search intent. This is why local SEO is a vital aspect of your digital strategy.

Learn more about Local Search Patents

Google’s Reasonable Surfer Model

Google's Reasonable Surfer Model

Google’s Reasonable Surfer Model is a search engine algorithm that promotes transparency and fairness in the ranking of websites. This model aims to provide more helpful information for searchers by considering content relevance, link quality, and user signals. This post will explore how Google uses these factors to rank websites in their search results pages. 

Learn more about Google’s Surfer Models

Google’s Rich content for query answers Patent

rich content

Google’s “Rich content for query answers” patent is designed to provide rich answers to questions in the SERPs using media (audio, video, images) to supplement a featured snippet.

The patent aims to provide an answer using visual or audible results, not just text. These rich snippets will increase a positive user experience and reduce the time it takes to find solutions. 

Learn more about the Rich content for query answers Patent

How do Google Definitions appear in search results?

Google Definition

Google Definitions is a search result at the top of Google Search Result Pages that lists a definition without the user clicking on the result to find the information. Google Definitions will give the user a quick answer without having to search for it on a webpage. This saves time for users, but it is also seen as a zero-click search result.

Learn more on how Google Definitions are selected.

Reciprocal Links: The Good, the Bad and When to Use Them

Google guidelines

It’s a question that many SEO experts have debated; do reciprocal links help or hurt your SEO? In reality, it depends. With this post, I will explore the positive and negative effects of reciprocal linking in more depth so you can know when to and when not to add external links to your website.

Learn more about Reciprocal Links

How Search Engines may look at Searches that include Locations

geographic information

Ever wonder how search engines might rank your local business if you’re searching for it near a competitor? The answer is not as simple as one might think. Learn more about local algorithms and how they analyze your content below from Microsoft and Google.

Microsoft’s patent focuses on detecting dominant locations from search queries and the search’s “location intent.” It attempts to understand a “dominant location” of the question based upon the likelihood of the answer.

Learn more about Location Searches

FAQ

  • What are Search Engine Patents?

Published on: 2021-04-16
Updated on: 2023-11-06

Avatar for Isaac Adams-Hands

Isaac Adams-Hands

Isaac Adams-Hands is the SEO Director at SEO North, a company that provides Search Engine Optimization services. As an SEO Professional, Isaac has considerable expertise in On-page SEO, Off-page SEO, and Technical SEO, which gives him a leg up against the competition.