PATENTSCOPE® Search Service

(http://www.wipo.int/pctdb)

Modification of kind codes

As from 1 January 2009, publication codes (“kind codes”), which are used to distinguish PCT international applications published by the International Bureau (IB), will be modified.

International applications republished with alterations, amendments, corrections or supplements will be specifically distinguished from other documents by additional publication codes not previously used.  The purpose of this change is to improve the usability of published PCT data and documents by more clearly identifying the reasons for republication of international applications.

In compliance with WIPO Standard ST.16, the following publication codes will be used (additional codes are denoted by bold italics):

Code  Publication details

A1       International application published with ISR

A2       International application published without ISR

A2       International application published with declaration under PCT Article 17(2)(a)

A3       Later publication of ISR with revised front page

A4      Later publication of amended claims and/or statement (PCT Article 19) with revised front page

A8       International application republished with corrections to front page bibliographic data

A9       International application or ISR republished with corrections, alterations or supplements (see also WIPO Standard ST.50)

For example:  under the present system, an international application published with an ISR would retain the publication code A1 after republication for any reason; under the new system, the application would be assigned the publication code A4 if republished with amended claims.

International applications affected

Changes in publication codes will be reflected in all international applications published or republished by the IB on or after 1 January 2009.  International applications published or republished before that date will not be affected and will retain their original publication codes.

Products affected

The following WIPO products will be affected by these changes:

–  PATENTSCOPE® Search Service;

–  Weekly Published PCT Data on DVD (PCT Rule 87 and PCT Article 20 DVDs);

–  Weekly Published PCT Data through FTP;

–  Communication on request (COR).

The information below illustrates, by republication reason, the various situations in which the codes will change: