Combined CPC/FI Introduction into the IPC

1. Combined CPC/FI Introduction into the IPC Antonios Farassopoulos Head of International Classifications and WIPO Standards Service Global IP Infrastructure Department February 2011

2. Introduction • IPC not detailed enough for the searching needs of several Offices and of the public • Some Offices have developed more detailed local Classification systems, based on the IPC (ECLA, DEKLA, FI) or not (USPC) • ECLA, FI are regularly updated in all technical fields. They cover almost the totality of PCT min • EPO USPTO agreed to a common Classification based on ECLA (CPC)

3. Introduction • Search using the IPC possible in all international and national databases • Consultation of local Classifications available only in local databases • Syntax particular for each one, not always clear • Search using local Classifications possible for the public only in respective local databases

4. Introduction • Since ten years efforts for harmonization and development of the IPC could not meet the expectations • Main problem the need for intellectual reclassification of the back file and the lack of corresponding resources.

5. Proposal for a detailed integrated IPC • Integrate the CPC and FI subgroups into the IPC in parallel (new e- and j-groups) • CPC and FI subgroups when integrating into the IPC should follow IPC rules and conventions e.g. - common numbering system - “others” subgroups in FI will not be introduced, instead hierarchically higher groups will be used • Symbols from both CPC and FI will be presented in “Int.Cl” field on patent documents. Provision of additional one letter code in ST.8 will differentiate between CPC and FI symbols • Subsequent harmonization will be carried out within the current framework of IP5 CHC and IPC/CE afterwards

6. Example 1(G01B: Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical means) IPC (current) ECLA FI FI ECLA

7. IPC (future) Alternative display j-groups follow IPC rules and conventions (e.g. “Others” will not be included for j-groups) e-groups common numbering system

8. IPC (future) Alternative display common trunk e-groups / CPC j-groups / FI

9. Example 2 (after partial harmonization (CHC F-projects) IPC (current) ECLA FI

10. IPC (current) overlapping groups ECLA FI

11. IPC (future) common trunk agreed new subdivisions under the project F004 e-groups j-groups

12. IPC (future) Alternative display common trunk e-groups / CPC j-groups / FI

13. Example 3(G10L: Speech recognition) IPC (current) no FI entry ECLA

14. IPC (future) no j-groups e-groups

15. IPC (current) no ECLA entry FI

16. IPC (future) no e-groups j-groups

17. Example 4: Partial acceptance IPC (current) no FI entry ECLA

18. IPC (current) Allow for flexibility to use subdivisions partially ECLA

19. IPC (future) common trunk e-groups When resources for reclassification become available, these parts could be introduced into the common trunk groups.

20. IPC (future) common trunk e-groups

21. Choice of offices • Offices will select to classify their documents either in the common trunk groups only, or in e-groups / CPC or in j-groups / FI • e- and j- groups will not be rolled up to common trunk

22. ST8 and ST10/C level indicator S Subclass C main groups only A common trunk (ct) groups only E e- or ct groups (CPC) J j- or ct groups (FI)

23. Reclassification during transition • Families classified in CPC: automatically transferred to common trunk and e-groups • Families classified in FI: automatically transferred to common trunk and j-groups • When an office decides to use e- or j- groups, it will reclassify those documents that have not been reclassified by the family propagation above with its own rhythm (incomplete reclassification indicated in the warnings of e- or j- groups) • Families having in both e- and j- symbols will keep both types of symbols

24. Timelines • e- and j- groups are introduced in one go in parallel. Two to three years are needed to adapt CPC and FI to the IPC, adapt IT systems, publication etc. • CHC project will harmonize e- and j- parts afterwards

25. Future revision procedure in areas including e- and j- groups • Revision of CPC or FI without impact on the common trunk by the offices owners of the CPC or FI respectively. • Quality checking of new scheme using accelerated procedure only electronically and within a limited period of time (e.g. one month) by IB assisted by editorial board • Harmonization of e- and j-groups in order to be included into the common trunk will follow the current IP5 CHC – IPC/CE approach. • Revision of large areas (e.g. subclasses, main groups) will follow the current IPC/CE approach. • However revision procedures should be simplified. • New approaches should be considered.

26. Advantages • No need for major intellectual reclassification during the integration phase. All offices can make the best use of detailed classification systems promptly and according to their resources. • Public users have a global picture of classification systems in one scheme and can search using only one type of symbols in one field (i.e. IC) in any database. • Examiners will learn easier than in the current situation j- and e- groups (e.g. using the parallel display). Such better knowledge will lead to easier revision or harmonization in the future. • Once all CPC/FI subdivisions are integrated into the IPC, search efficiency will be improved especially in areas where the current number of subdivisions in the IPC is insufficient.

27. Drawbacks • Need to include systematically ct, e- and j- symbols in a query in order to achieve complete search for the world wide documentation. However this is already the case today in a much more complicated way. • Some confusion (reform, simplification, ?) for external users, although first reaction seems positive.

28. Thank you