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Patent documents and their accessibility

Basic Patent Information Course (BPIC)

Module 1A: Patent documents and their accessibility

 

Target Audience

This module is intended for patent information specialists with one year or less of experience in conducting novelty or patentability searches. It is specifically tailored for individuals who have recently started working in the field of patent information.

Module Objectives and Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the advantages and limitations of classification-based searching, whether used independently or alongside text-based strategies.

  • Distinguish between the applications of classification in different types of searches, including patentability, landscape, and validity analyses.

  • Learn methods for identifying appropriate classification codes relevant to a given search topic.

  • Navigate patent classification schedules to determine the most effective classifications for search execution.

Course Content

This BPIC module covers the following topics:

Introduction (1 session)

  • Key differences between classification and indexing as retrieval strategies

  • The importance of classification schemes for concept-based rather than keyword-based searching

  • Overview of national patent classification systems (primarily historical)

  • Current international patent classification systems

IPC: Theory and Practice (3 sessions)

  • Structure and characteristics of the IPC prior to 2006

  • IPC reform and the introduction of the revised IPC system

  • Searchable sources utilizing the IPC

  • Detailed analysis of IPC notation and its correct application

  • Techniques for identifying the most relevant IPC codes for searching

CPC: Theory and Practice (2 sessions)

  • Development and implementation of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system

  • Impact of CPC on databases such as DocDB and commercial platforms

  • Overview of unique CPC features

  • Strategies for determining appropriate CPC codes for search

  • CPC revision procedures

  • Introduction to CPC Section Y (emerging technologies)

Study Load

Participants are expected to independently explore free resources and user guides related to both IPC and CPC classification systems, especially in relation to their own subject areas. The module will be assessed through an examination covering all course content; however, participants will not be required to develop or apply a complete search strategy during the exam.

Preparation

Before attending, participants should be aware of the IPC and CPC search functionalities available in the databases used at their workplace. This includes tools they may not yet have utilized.

Those with prior experience incorporating classification codes into their searches are encouraged to reflect on and, if possible, share any difficulties or benefits they have encountered.

Prerequisites

No previous experience with patent classification schemes is required. However, participants should:

  • Be able to search fielded bibliographic data using correct syntax in their preferred search tools.

  • Be familiar with the structure and content of typical patent applications.

  • Understand the types of documents published by major patent authorities.

  • Have some experience with subject-based searching in scientific or technical literature, even if not related to patents.

  • Ideally, have experience working with multilingual databases.

Please note: the course will be conducted in English, and all materials will be provided in English only.