Where URLs are requested below, it is preferred that either URLs which are likely to remain stable over time (three years or more) are provided, or home (main) page URLs are provided with a short explanation of how to access the corresponding information. The Annual Technical Reports on Patent Information Activities should cover the following items:1
1. General overview of recent developments in patent information activities carried out by the Office
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- Information and support provided by the Office to applicants regarding filing on paper and/or e-filing (instructions, seminars, etc.) – URLs
- Availability of the application dossier in electronic form
- Classification2, preclassification3 (if applicable), reclassification4 activities; classification system used (e.g., International Patent Classification (IPC)), matters concerning indexing of patent information
- Abstracting, reviewing, and translation of the information contained in patent documents
- Other activities
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1
| - The term "patent" covers utility models and Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs). - Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in their Annual Technical Reports on Industrial Design Information Activities. | ||||||
2
| Classification is allotting one or more classification symbols (e.g., IPC symbols) to a patent application. | ||||||
3
| Preclassification is allotting an initial broad classification symbol (e.g., IPC class or subclass, or administrative unit) to a patent application, using human or automated means for internal administrative purposes. | ||||||
4
| Reclassification is the reconsideration and usually the replacement of one or more previously allotted classification symbols to a patent document, following a revision and the entry into force of a new version of the Classification system (e.g., the IPC). The new symbols are available on patent databases. |