IPC Reform

International Patent Classification Reform (IPC R/IPC 8)
DWPI Backfile Reclassification Now Available on STN

Edition 8 of the IPC — representing the most radical reform of the International Patent Classification system since its inception — took effect in early January 2006 and has far-reaching implications for information providers and users alike.

Thomson Scientific has implemented a business-wide initiative to ensure the IPC information contained in your patent products reflects the IPC R changes, so you get all the benefits of the reformed classification system.

Key Features
Back File Reclassification
Product-Specific Details:
· Aureka
· Delphion and DWPI on Delphion
· Dialog
· DWPI on Dialog, Questel·Orbit, STN
· i-Epros/Epros or IIS with DWPI Data Feed
· Industry and Technology Profiles (ITPs)
· Patent Watch Service
· PatentWeb
· Tailor-Made Profiles (TMPs)

Key Features

The reformed IPC provides:

A single classification system for all patents
Faster categorization of new technologies
More granularity of classifications for more precise searching

This is evidenced through the introduction of two classification levels: "Advanced" for more precise searching, and "Core" for broader retrieval. In addition, new revision schedules will take effect, ensuring that inventions in rapidly-moving and emerging technology areas are appropriately classified for easier identification.

Advanced codes — used by the larger patent offices, will be updated every three months
Core codes — used by smaller patent offices, will be updated every three years

New categories were introduced to reflect the latest changes in certain technology areas. These include:

Traditional medicine based on the use of plants — main group A61K 36/00
Combinatorial chemistry — subclass C40B
Business methods — subclass G06Q

Back File Reclassification

Historically, comprehensive retrieval backwards in time (back files) required you to search different IPC editions in force during those time periods. Now, the reformed classification system has been applied to the entire back file of patent documents held by the European Patent Office (comprising bibliographic data for nearly 54 million patent documents). This reclassified content will form the basis of the IPC data used in Thomson Scientific offerings. It enables users to employ Edition 8 of the IPC for comprehensive retrieval of patent information over the entire database.

During early 2007 the reloaded DWPI database on Dialog, Questel.Orbit and STN is being equipped with the IPC Reform reclassification data across the backfile. This data will be available on STN from early January 2007.

Product-Specific Details

Aureka
Aureka customers with IPC codes in their alert and saved search strategies will need to update those strategies to reflect the new classifications. For assistance, please contact the MicroPatent help desk.

Delphion and DWPI on Delphion
Delphion and DWPI on Delphion customers with IPC codes in their alerts and saved searches will need to update their alert and search strategies. For assistance, please contact the Thomson Scientific technical help desk.

DWPI on Dialog, Questel·Orbit, and STN
DWPI users with IPC codes in their alerts will need to contact their host directly for more information and for assistance with changes to their alert strategies.

More infomation about:
IPC R and DWPI
IPC R code formats in DWPI
DWPI enhancements

i-Epros/Epros or IIS with DWPI Data Feed
Customers with IPC codes in their alerts and saved searches (with the exception of those in Japan) should contact our Customized Services team at ts.customized@thomson.com to discuss revisions to alert and search strategies.

Customers in Japan should contact our Tokyo office.

Industry and Technology Profiles (ITPs)
Our Customized Services team will review all customer Profiles and make appropriate updates to reflect the new IPC codes. Customers are not required to take any action.

Patent Watch Service
The Patent Watch team will contact customers directly to discuss changes to alerting strategies.

PatentWeb
PatentWeb customers with IPC codes in their alerts and saved searches will need to update these strategies to incorporate the new classifications. For assistance, please contact the MicroPatent help desk.

Tailor-Made Profiles (TMPs)
Customers with IPC codes in their Profiles should contact our Customized Services team at ts.customized@thomson.com to discuss revisions to those Profiles.

IPC R Training

Pre-recorded Sessions
Just click on a link below to view the pre-recorded audio-visual presentation.

Introduction to IPC R
Alert Management Under IPC R