Event for patent search professionals 6-8 May 2019 Munich ...€¦ · 08.15 Light breakfast buffet...

Search Matters 2019Event for patent search professionals6-8 May 2019Munich, Germany

Organised bythe European Patent Academy

WLAN access

Network: EPO-GuestNo password required

Please agree to the EPO’s Terms and Conditions to connect.

Foreword 4

Floor plan 6

Day programme 8

Lectures 12

Workshops 18

Workshop overview 30

Info stands 54

The Organising Committee Search Matters 2019 58

Content

Foreword

As Vice-President of Patent Granting Process since January 2019 I am pleased to welcome you to Search Matters 2019.

Search Matters is now a well-established annual event at which the EPO opens its doors to searchers and patent information professionals, and which aims to throw light on search strategies and techniques used at the EPO.

As in past editions of Search Matters, this year’s programme kicks off with the highly appreciated at-the-desk sessions. These sessions with EPO examiners allow for a real behind-the-scenes experience, providing a unique opportunity to experience first-hand how an examiner performs a search in a specific technical field of your choice.

While at-the-desk training is proving to be very popular, the two days of the main event not only include highlights and must-see interactive workshops from previous editions but also many new workshops. The challenge and complexity of searching emerging technologies is covered by several workshops and lectures, with a particular focus this year on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Participants can take a closer look at a wide range of topics, including the impact of AI and blockchain on searching, as well as general search strategies, and Asian prior art. Additionally, you can find out more about search tools such as New Espacenet and Patentscope. This year you can also explore the complexity of searching in a wide spectrum of fields such as automobile systems, information and communications technologies or chemistry.

4

For the first time in the history of Search Matters we have organised a panel discussion with in-house and external expert panellists, including the keynote speaker. The discussion will be based on the topic of “The future directions of search and searchers in an artificial intelligence era”. We hope that you will find this addition to the programme to be both stimulating and informative.

The panel discussion will be followed by a networking event for all participants which should ensure plenty of time for search professionals and our EPO experts to mingle.

I am confident that you will enjoy this year’s event. Please remember that your feedback is always welcome since only through constructive feedback can we better understand your needs and offer a high-quality event.

Stephen RowanVice-President Directorate-General Patent Granting Process

5

102 Foyer

103

128106 107 108

129

109

118 119 120

125

121

131

122

Conference area1st floor

6

102 Foyer

103

128106 107 108

129

109

118 119 120

125

121

131

122

7

Monday, 6 May 2019

At-the-desk sessions

13.45 - Individual at-the-desk sessions with an EPO examiner 17.00 for registered participants

17.15 Networking event for ‘at-the-desk sessions’ participants and trainers Skybar, EPO PschorrHöfe building VII

20.00 End of day

Tuesday, 7 May 2019

Moderator: Emmeline Marttin, examiner, chair of the Search Matters Organising Committee, EPO

08.30 Welcome coffeeFoyer, 1st floor EPO Isar building

09.15 Opening speechStephen Rowan, Vice-President Directorate-General Patent Granting Process, EPO

09.30 Lecture 1 (plenary): AI and the search for patent quality: How AI will change patent search and why that is important Samuel Davis, CEO/Founder, amplified.ai

10.30 Coffee break

11.00 Workshop session 1

8

12.15 Lunch break


15.00 Coffee break


16.45 Break (technical)

17.00 - Panel discussion: The future directions of search 18.00 and searchers in an artificial intelligence era

Moderator: Gareth Lord, Director sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPOPanellists:

– Francesco Zaccà, Principal Director Operations, sector Information and Communication Technology, EPO

– Alexander Klenner-Bajaja, data scientist, Knowledge and Search Services, EPO

– Geert Boedt, business analyst, Patent Information, EPO – Samuel Davis, CEO/Founder, amplified.ai

18.30 Networking event EPO Isar building canteen

22.00 End of day

9

Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Moderator: Emmeline Marttin, examiner, chair of the Search Matters Organising Committee, EPO

08.15 Light breakfast buffetFoyer

08.45 Lecture 2 (plenary): New EspacenetJohannes Schaaf, Product marketing specialist, Patent Information, EPO

09.30 Information session: Latest developments in CPC (plenary)Pierre Held, administrator Classification and Documentation, EPO

09.45 Break (technical)


11.15 Coffee break


10

13.00 Lunch break


15.30 Coffee break

16.00 Lecture 3 (plenary): Patent Landscaping methodology: A case study on blockchain inventions.Geert Boedt, business analyst, Patent Information, EPO

16.45 Closing remarksEmmeline Marttin, examiner, chair of the Search Matters Organising Committee, EPO

17.00 End of event

A detailed workshop overview is to be found in the middle of the programme booklet

11

Lecture 1 AI and the search for patent quality: How AI will change patent search and why that is important

As global patent filings continue to grow, patent systems around the world are increasingly using automation to process vast amounts of data. Recent advances in artificial intelligence hold great promise to go beyond simple automation but bring with them new questions about how to maintain accountability and patent quality. This lecture takes a data-driven approach to understanding the potential of artificial intelligence from a practitioner’s perspective and explores the process implications for global patent systems.

Samuel Davis, US, CEO and founder of Amplified AI, a software company pioneering new applications of artificial intelligence. The research at Amplified AI focuses on augmented intelligence, or the collaborative relationship between human and machine, that works alongside professionals to automate routine work and extract meaningful insights from large amounts of data. Worked for nearly a decade with a large number of global clients, both at large companies and SMEs, to address their patent search, patent analytics and wider innovation needs. Since 2015, has also worked as an advisor and investor for artificial intelligence start-ups.

12

Panel Discussion: The future directions of search and searchers in an artificial intelligence era

Gareth Lord, GB, Director, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO Munich. Was born in Hong Kong, grew up in Germany, studied aeronautical engineering in the UK at Cambridge university. Started as a patent examiner at the EPO in 1992 and, via various staging posts in quality management, international and legal affairs, and managing IT projects, is now responsible for the end-to-end patent grant process of a department of 100 patent professionals working in the fields of aerospace, vehicle seats, and other mechanical and transport-related technologies.

Francesco Zaccà, IT, Principal Director Operations, sector Information and Communication Technology, EPO The Hague.Responsible together with the COO for the Patent GrantBusiness in the sector ICT. Responsible in ICT for strategicexternal relations with applicants, international institutions,standardisation bodies. Regularly represents the EPO at conferences and exhibitions. Has been in charge of businessre-engineering projects including the reorganisation of the whole Patent Grant Process area, member of the steering board of major IT development programs, chair of the internal jury board for the European Inventor of the year Award. Previously has been director in Medical Technologies, Telecommunications, ICT, and before examiner in the Radar field. Before joining the EPO has been senior researcher in Electromagnetics and Electronic Warfare. Holds a Master in electrical engineering cum laude from the University of Pisa.

13

Alexander Klenner-Bajaja, DE, data scientist, Search and Knowledge, EPO The Hague. PhD in Bioinformatics from the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany. Post-doctoral studies at the Fraunhofer Institute SCAI. Joined the EPO in 2014 as part of a data science team that is in charge of creating solutions using artificial intelligence to solve challenges arising in the patent grant process such as automated classification of applications and automated prior art search.

Geert Boedt, BE, business analyst, Awareness, Marketing and Business use of Patent Information, EPO Vienna. BSc in Applied Informatics. Many years working in IT for international organisations. Joined the EPO in 2004 (Espacenet customer support). Currently business application manager for the PATSTAT data base; expert in statistical analysis of patent data sets. Advises researchers and policy makers worldwide on correct interpretation of patent data and has many years’ experience of presenting on patent analytics topics.

Samuel Davis, US, CEO and founder of Amplified AI, a software company pioneering new applications of artificial intelligence. The research at Amplified AI focuses on augmented intelligence, or the collaborative relationship between human and machine, that works alongside professionals to automate routine work and extract meaningful insights from large amounts of data. Worked for nearly a decade with a large number of global clients, both at large companies and SMEs, to address their patent search, patent analytics and wider innovation needs. Since 2015, has also worked as an advisor and investor for artificial intelligence start-ups.

14

Lecture 2 New Espacenet Espacenet’s new interface will soon go into full production. It will deliver a whole new user experience for searching. Results will come with a filter module for statistical analyses. There will be a more flexible advanced search and many other great new features too. Responsive design improves Espacenet’s usability on mobile devices as well. Patent searching has never been easier!

Johannes Schaaf, DE, administrator, Patent Information, EPO Vienna. MBA and master’s degree in physics. Worked as engineer and innovation consultant in the corporate technology unit at Siemens and led the community of practice innovation management. Examiner in the area of laser technology at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. Joined the European Patent Office in Vienna in 2005, and now works in the department for awareness, marketing and business use of patent information.

15

Information session Latest developments in the Cooperative Patent Classification

The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) entered into force on 1st January 2013. Six years down the line, the CPC has evolved from a bilateral EPO-USPTO initiative to an international classification standard used by 29 offices worldwide for classification. In this short presentation we will provide an update on the latest developments in the CPC, as well as on the upcoming changes expected later in 2019 as a result of the launch of the CPC International project.

Pierre Held, FR, administrator, Directorate Classification and Documentation, EPO The Hague. Holds a PhD in organic chemistry, University of Strasbourg. Joined the EPO in 1997 as patent examiner in organic chemistry. In 2004 joined the Directorate Classification. Coordinates all international classification activities of the Directorate and manages the trilateral and IP5 cooperation in classification. Member of the EPO-USPTO bilateral Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) Joint governance Board and of APEG. Provides training both within and outside the EPO and regularly speaks at seminars or conferences.

16

Lecture 3 Patent Landscaping methodology: A case study on blockchain inventions

When using the term “patent searching” , instinctively we think about restricting a sample of patents to the most relevant documents for carrying out the search. Patent landscape methodologies, however, require analysis of large data sets, often using special tools. Patent landscaping is increasingly used to support decision-making on high stakes projects. In this presentation you will get an overview of the necessary basic steps (re)searchers have to undertake in order to reach evidence-based conclusions that can be used to support informed choices. After all: “Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.” (W. Edwards Deming).


17

WS01 Access to Japanese prior art using classification, indexing and citation information

The purpose of this workshop is to explore the added benefits of prior-art retrieval via Japanese FI classes and F-term indexing codes over pure keyword searches and/or international classification (IPC) searches. Strategies are presented for efficient and complete search in Japanese documentation, using publicly available sources and search tools. The workshop will cover the following topics:

– Underlying “philosophy” of the Japanese FI classification and F-term indexing systems, and their concordance with IPC

– Dynamics of the Japanese FI and F-term systems: amended and new schemes, reorganisation of existing classes/terms, international co-operation

– Finding the most pertinent Japanese classification and indexing codes for your technical field of interest

– Publicly available sources, focusing especially on J-PlatPat – Access to prior-art citation information retrieved by the JPO and its

outsourced search organisations – Search engines, search syntax, search strategy – Sample cases

This workshop will be of particular interest to participants who have to perform prior-art searches in Japanese patent and utility model documentation. The material covered is suitable for both beginners and advanced searchers/users of Japanese prior art.

Focus: Asian prior art, search strategyLevel of knowledge: beginner, advanced, general

18

Adam Cohen, GB, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Obtained a PhD degree in electrical and information sciences/photonic engineering from Cambridge University. Worked in the optics/fibre optics industry in Japan, Canada and the USA, and on the development of telecom network management in the UK. Joined the EPO in 2003 as an examiner. Gives Japanese classification workshops at internal and external training seminars, manages internal IT projects and is involved in quality control activities and machine translation projects. Coaches new examiners and is an expert on Japanese translation queries. Member of the Asian Patent Expert Group’s committee from 2011 to 2014.

Christoph Wirner, DE, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO The Hague. Studied physics at Munich’s Technical University and conducted research at its Walter Schottky Institute. Completed the EU Science and Technology Fellowship programme at Osaka University, and worked on a future electron devices research project at Fujitsu Laboratories in Japan. Joined the EPO in 1997 as an examiner in semiconductor technology, where he participated in the EPO-JPO bilateral and EPO-JPO-USPTO trilateral examiner exchange programme and promoted the use of the Japanese Fi/F-term classification system. He previously chaired and is currently a member of the Asian Patent Expert Group. He is also a member of the EPO’s Japanese language expert group.

19

WS02 Retrieving valuable information from international patent office cooperation using Global Dossier and Common Citation Document

This interactive workshop focuses on efficiently retrieving documents and information that have been cited by other intellectual property offices, e.g. from the IP5 group, for patent family members or technically related applications. This information can be helpful for example in searches done to prepare the filing of an opposition or a new patent application. To this end, the capabilities of the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document will be explored together with the audience. With the aid of practical examples, the audience will be shown how to retrieve information, what kind of valuable (sometimes hidden) information can be retrieved and how it should then be interpreted. These search tools are of major interest to search professionals because they can help them to retrieve highly relevant documents.

Focus: general, search strategy, Asian prior art, CPC, Espacenet, hands-on, internet searchLevel of knowledge: beginners / general

Alan Bacon, GB, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Alan graduated with anM.A. in Chemistry from the University of Oxford, St. Peter’s College, UK, in 1982. In 1985, he obtained a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Southampton, UK, specialising in the analysis and identification of fruit fly and cockroach pheromones, mainly spiroacetals. He joined the EPO in 1985 as an examiner and has been working in the field of printing ever since. Since 1990, he has been a member of the Classification Board, as well as being involved in recruitment and working as a tutor and trainer of new EPO examiners and as a lecturer with the European Patent Academy. He has also given numerous presentations at Search Matters (most recently on Russian and Indian prior art) and Examination Matters (on third-party observations) and represented the EPO in the USA, Japan, Jakarta, Cairo, Lisbon, Baku and Bishkek.

20

Robert Pötzsch, DE, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Studied chemistry at Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, and Ecole de Chimie de Rennes, France. After a PhD in hyperbranched polymers for organic electronics at the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research in Dresden and research stays at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and the University of California in Santa Barbara, USA, he joined the EPO in 2013. He works in search, examination and opposition in the technical fields of luminescence, insulators, conductors, flame-retardants, sealants and coolants.

21

WS03 Search Matters? Search Matters!

Applicants are not required to search the prior art before filing a patent application with the European Patent Office. However, knowledge of the literature in the field and the relevant market can help you understand the strength or weakness of an invention. A thorough search improves the credibility rating attributed by investors to the patent application and thus the chances of receiving funding. It gives you information about market potential by revealing other ideas. More generally, it can help you to determine whether or not to spend further time and money on an idea.

In this interactive workshop we will look at various real (anonymised) case studies that will illustrate the difference a high-quality search can make to the commercial exploitation of your idea. You will leave the seminar with greater awareness of why a good search matters, very much indeed.

Focus: search strategy, AI (artificial intelligence) Level of knowledge: general

Wolfram Meyer, DE, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO Munich. Holds a PhD in cellular biology. He has extensive experience in examining patent applications in the field of biotechnology and has participated in numerous opposition proceedings. His analysisfor the EPO of how to bring innovation successfully to the market led to findings that have been published in a book on entrepreneurship and in an article entitled “Patents: A Tool to Bring Innovation from the Lab Bench to the Marketplace.”

Hanno Schombacher, DE, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO Munich. Holds a PhD in engineering. He has extensive experience in searching and examining patent applications in the field of vehicle technology, and in opposition proceedings. Passed the EQE in 2007. He is also very involved in knowledge-sharing within the EPO and has given in-house courses for examiners and presentations for the European Patent Academy and at Knowledge Management conferences.

22

WS04 Searching for blend of ingredients

This presentation will give an overview of efficient strategies for searching for blends of ingredients, particularly in the field of cosmetics. Given the nature and complexity of the compositions claimed, the types of ingredients and the claimed uses, it is not always easy to define an efficient strategy for retrieving the best prior-art documents in reasonable time. Searching everywhere is simply not an option. It is also often difficult to appreciate the level of relevance of any document retrieved.

The presentation will include practical examples of searches for cosmetic compositions, covering the use of CPC classes and abstract databases (such as Espacenet) as well as Japanese classification (FT terms) and a database of commercially available consumer products (Mintel GNPD). The general conclusions are of relevance to any applied chemistry field.

Focus: Chemistry, CPC, search strategy, Espacenet, internet searchLevel of knowledge: beginners / field-specific

Sylvie Perrone Dunet, CH/IT, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO Munich. Studied chemistry at the University of Geneva. After a PhD in organometallic chemistry from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and a year of postdoctoral research into sugar chemistry at Oxford University, she worked for two years in the industry for Sigma-Aldrich. She joined the EPO as an examiner in search and examination in 2009.

23

WS05 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Challenges and search strategies

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have gained enormous importance in recent years. The number of applications involving AI and ML algorithms is mushrooming in many different technological fields. But searching these applications is challenging:

– Firstly, AI/ML algorithms are essentially mathematical and computational methods. This makes it difficult to use the patent classification system to search them.

– Secondly, an AI/ML algorithm may find applications in diverse technical areas ranging from chemistry to aerospace, which often necessitates a very complex and extensive search.

– Thirdly, when searching for AI/ML methods, you are often faced with the additional problem of how to search for mathematical formulae or numerical algorithms.

– Finally, a large proportion of the prior art is contained in non patent literature, which adds a further layer of complexity to the search.

So in this field it is essential to develop efficient and effective search strategies, in particular using the World Wide Web. In this interactive presentation, based on examples and case studies, we will show you how to develop search strategies best suited to dealing with these challenges.

Focus: AI (artificial intelligence), internet search, information and communication technology Level of knowledge: Advanced, field-specific

Elena Virnik, DE, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO Berlin. PhD in applied mathematics. Joined the EPO in 2009. Works in the field of complex mathematical methods and in particular of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Passed the EQE in 2017 and since 2018 is a CEIPI tutor.

24

WS06 The problem solution approach - a powerful search tool

The problem-solution approach (PSA) is the key method used at the EPO to determine if an application is inventive. It provides for objectivity and reduces the risk of using ex post facto analysis in the assessment of inventive step.

While this approach is well known to applicants in the context of the examination procedure, we will show in this presentation that it is also a powerful tool at the search stage. Specifically, we will discuss the impact of the PSA for evaluating and adapting a search strategy, bearing in mind the following two questions:

What are the main factors in correctly assessing inventive step? How do you use the PSA at the search stage?

Based on examples and also on your experience in search, we will explain how to apply the PSA so as to make your search strategy more efficient and effective.

Focus: search strategy Level of knowledge: beginners/ general

Anne-Cécile Derrien, FR, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Graduated in materials science from the University of Rennes 1 (FR) in 2004 with a PhD in biomaterials. Joined the EPO as an examiner in the field of biomaterials (A61L) and dentistry (A61K6) in 2005, and works both in examination and opposition proceedings. Involved in recruitment and coaching of new colleagues. Has been a presenter at Search Matters (problem-solution approach, searching with Espacenet) and Examination Matters (second medical use in the field of biomaterials) for several years.

25

WS07 Freedom-to-operate searches using INPADOC legal event codes

The number of patent publications worldwide is growing steadily. This presents a challenge to those who require patent-related information for key business decisions and therefore will need a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search: how do you extract this information efficiently, within a reasonable timeframe, and all the while ensure legal certainty when the volume of patent data is so vast? One way to achieve this result manner is to make use of the relevant EPO databases, such as INPADOC.

This interactive workshop aims to raise awareness of how EPO tools can be used for FTO searches. On the basis of a typical case study (a simple mechanical system), we will discuss the use of some of the search and patent analytics tools provided by the EPO, including Global Patent Index and INPADOC, to conduct efficient and effective FTO searches.

Focus: Espacenet, CPC, search strategy, mechanicsLevel of knowledge: general / advanced

Andrey Afanasiev, LV, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Studied mechanical engineering and automotive engineering (MSc) at Riga Technical University and intellectual property law (LL.M) at the University of Edinburgh. Worked for several years as a production manager in construction materials manufacturing. In 2009, he joined the EPO, where he deals with patent applications in various technical areas such as beds of engines, supports, machine frames, power transmission belts and chains, as well as safety devices in general.

26

Frédéric Cavallo, FR, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Joined the EPO in 2009 and works in a variety of areas including search, examination, opposition, coaching and tutoring. He worked as an examiner in the field of control systems for hybrid vehicles before moving to the field of vehicle suspension arrangements. He holds a Master of Science from the Engineering School of La Rochelle, France, and a Master of Laws in intellectual property law from the University of Edinburgh, UK. Before joining the EPO, he worked for almost ten years as an embedded-software engineer, control engineer and project manager, mainly in the automotive industry.

27

WS08 Multimedia prior art, oral description and prior use, cited from Internet

Presentation followed by hands-on computer training

Over the last years, the number of citations relating to internet videos (e.g. YouTube), Wikipedia and archive websites has significantly increased. Searching on the internet is often an efficient way for examiners and patent information professionals to find relevant prior art, for example when it consists of a video, an oral disclosure or a prior use.

At this workshop we will analyse the conditions under which these different kinds of prior art may be relevant and how to search each of them efficiently, e.g. in view of the technical field, the stage of search (“lucky shot” at the beginning or “last hope” at the end) and the aim of the search, e.g. patentability search before filing or a patent invalidity search for oppositions.

We will explore typical ways of assessing the date of disclosure; citing YouTube videos; citing an exhibition which is later substantiated by a written disclosure; and considering an existing product as closest prior art by combining several documents. We will do this on the basis of examples from real applications and on your own experience.

The information and practical tips provided in this workshop will make you better equipped to meet the challenges posed by this particular type of prior art.

Focus: Internet search, hands-onLevel of knowledge: beginners / general

Anthony Chevret, FR, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO The Hague. Received his degree in electrical engineering degree from INSA Strasbourg, France, in 2009. He worked in the automotive industry at Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany, initially in the development of ESP braking systems and subsequently in the research of fault tolerant powertrains for autonomous vehicles. Joined the EPO in 2015.

28

WS09 Search confidence indications

If you didn’t find what you were looking for, how do you know that you didn’t find it because it doesn’t exist and not because you were looking in the wrong place? In the world of patents the consequences of failing to find relevant prior art or existing patent rights can be serious. This workshop is aimed at those who want to be sure that they have looked in the best places and found the best documents. There are a number of indicators (words, classes, queries, strategies and databases) that can give you confidence that your strategy is sound. The tips and tricks presented in the workshop will draw on the experience of the three presenters, each of whom has over twenty years’ experience in searching. The workshop is suitable for all technical fields.

Focus: search strategy, Espacenet Level of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general


continued on page 32

29

Workshop overview DAY 1 DAY 2

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6

11.00-12.15 13.45-15.00 15.30-16.45 10.00-11.15 11.45-13.00 14.15-15.30

Workshop Workshop Room Room

WS01 Access to Japanese prior art using classification, indexing and citation information 108 108

WS02 Retrieving valuable information from international patent office cooperation using Global Dossier and Common Citation Document 118 118

WS03 Search Matters? Search Matters! 128 128

WS04 Searching for blend of ingredients 118 118

WS05 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Challenges and search strategies 121 121 121

WS06 The problem solution approach - a powerful search tool 103 103 103 103

WS07 Freedom-to-operate searches using INPADOC legal event codes 125 125 125 125

WS08 Multimedia prior art, oral description and prior use, cited from Internet 109 109

WS09 Search confidence indications 103 103

WS10 Optimising the search strategy in the field of autonomous and energy-efficient vehicles 121 121

WS11 Technical character and technical purpose: implications for searching AI-related features 122 122

WS12 Searching Graphical User interfaces 119 119

WS13 Non-patent literature 128 128

WS14 AI tigers in the mist: searching Asian prior art with examples from the field of artificial intelligence 108 108

WS15 Establishing the publication date of internet disclosures 107 107

WS16 Understanding and dealing with lack of unity 125 125

WS17 Google Patents: a more structured haystack 107 107 107

WS18 Searching functional features: how to build comprehensive queries 129 129 129 129

WS19 Does search matter for blockchain? 109 109

WS20 WIPO's PATENTSCOPE: how to get the most out of it 131 131

WS21 Searching Markush formulae 120 120

WS22 New beginners interface for PATSTAT Online 122

WS23 Search concepts - how to enrich your queries and get better search results 106 106 106 106

WS24 How to perform an efficient and high-quality search despite unclear claims 131 131 131 131

WS25 Forward search: a complement to keyword- and class-based prior art searches 119 119

WS26 Searching cross-technology inventions 129 109 129 109

30

DAY 1 DAY 2

Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 Session 6

11.00-12.15 13.45-15.00 15.30-16.45 10.00-11.15 11.45-13.00 14.15-15.30

Workshop Workshop Room Room

WS01 Access to Japanese prior art using classification, indexing and citation information 108 108

WS02 Retrieving valuable information from international patent office cooperation using Global Dossier and Common Citation Document 118 118

WS03 Search Matters? Search Matters! 128 128

WS04 Searching for blend of ingredients 118 118

WS05 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Challenges and search strategies 121 121 121

WS06 The problem solution approach - a powerful search tool 103 103 103 103

WS07 Freedom-to-operate searches using INPADOC legal event codes 125 125 125 125

WS08 Multimedia prior art, oral description and prior use, cited from Internet 109 109

WS09 Search confidence indications 103 103

WS10 Optimising the search strategy in the field of autonomous and energy-efficient vehicles 121 121

WS11 Technical character and technical purpose: implications for searching AI-related features 122 122

WS12 Searching Graphical User interfaces 119 119

WS13 Non-patent literature 128 128

WS14 AI tigers in the mist: searching Asian prior art with examples from the field of artificial intelligence 108 108

WS15 Establishing the publication date of internet disclosures 107 107

WS16 Understanding and dealing with lack of unity 125 125

WS17 Google Patents: a more structured haystack 107 107 107

WS18 Searching functional features: how to build comprehensive queries 129 129 129 129

WS19 Does search matter for blockchain? 109 109

WS20 WIPO's PATENTSCOPE: how to get the most out of it 131 131

WS21 Searching Markush formulae 120 120

WS22 New beginners interface for PATSTAT Online 122

WS23 Search concepts - how to enrich your queries and get better search results 106 106 106 106

WS24 How to perform an efficient and high-quality search despite unclear claims 131 131 131 131

WS25 Forward search: a complement to keyword- and class-based prior art searches 119 119

WS26 Searching cross-technology inventions 129 109 129 109

31

Alain Materne, FR, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO Berlin. Holds a degree in electronic engineering from ENSEA in Cergy-Pontoise (FR), which he completed with a thesis project at Berlin’s Technical University. He worked in the electronics industry at Wandel & Goltermann in Reutlingen, Germany, prior to joining the EPO in 1988. Develops various ranking scripts in ooRexx for retrieving related files and prior art.

Gershom Sleightholme-Albanis, GB/AU, senior expert, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO Berlin.Holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Melbourne and a doctorate from the University of Cambridge. Worked for several years in the steel industry, at Jaguar Cars and in the British civil service prior to joining the EPO in 1996.

32

WS10 Optimising the search strategy in the field of autonomous and energy-efficient vehicles

Searching inventions dealing with control in vehicles in general can be a real challenge: not only is the field very broad, as there are so many different kinds of vehicles (cars, trucks, tractors, cranes, excavators, mining machines, etc.) in different sections of the international patent classification or the CPC, but also the wordings used to formulate the control algorithm are quite general and hard to express through keywords.

At this workshop we will focus on autonomous vehicles (e.g. control of unmanned vehicles, semi-autonomous vehicles with display of information, learning programs for autonomous operation of vehicles) and energy-efficient vehicles (e.g. hybrid, electrical and hydraulic/electric regeneration in vehicles).

This will be an interactive workshop, drawing on several practical examples from the field of construction machines. Its conclusions are relevant and applicable to all types of vehicle.

Focus: search strategyLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced

Coralie Bultot, FR, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO Munich. Studied mechanical engineering in France (ECP in Paris) and Germany (TUM in Munich). Worked as Technical Sales at Knorr-Bremse AG 6 years andthen joined the EPO in 2006 as examiner in the field of dredgers, bulldozers, excavators, loaders. Responsible forthe CPC classification in the field E02F. Coach for new examiners and in-house trainer in various workshops.

33

WS11 Technical character and technical purpose: implications for searching AI-related features

When searching patent applications with AI-related features, it is crucial to give early consideration to the technical character and technical purpose of both individual features and the application as a whole. Such applications tend to be of a mathematical/algorithmic nature, so this can be difficult because (a) not all purposes are considered technical and (b) mathematical/algorithmic features can in some cases contribute to the technical character of an invention in combination with technical features.

This presentation will allow you to identify more clearly the contribution that an AI related feature can make to the technical character of an invention and to assess its relevance in the definition of an appropriate search strategy.

Focus: search strategy, AI (artificial intelligence), information and communication technologyLevel of knowledge: advanced / general

Markus Volkmer, DE, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO The Hague. Patent examiner in the field of artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing since 2007. Expert for computer-implemented inventions. Member of the EPO Guidelines working group on computer-implemented inventions.

34

WS12 Searching Graphical User interfaces

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) allow us to interact efficiently with computers and electronic devices. GUIs have become a part of our everyday life, and are often the subject of patent applications at the EPO. This workshop focuses on the impact the question of technicality can have on search strategy. It provides a brief overview of the technicality of GUIs and presents the concept of user interface “metaphors”. The disclosure of GUIs in both patent and non-patent literature is discussed, including internet videos and user manuals published online. Some differences in the disclosures provided by these sources of prior art are outlined, and practical suggestions are given on how these differences can be exploited to optimise search strategy.

Focus: search strategy, internet search, information and communication technologyLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / field-specific

Johan Bengtsson, SE, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO Berlin. Studied applied physics and electrical engineering at Linköping University. Research engineer at Karolinska University Hospital (KS) in Stockholm, developing computer tools for processing of brain MRI images. Joined the EPO in 2007. Works in the field of digitisers and graphical user interfaces. Further responsibilities include testing and evaluation of EPO automated search tools and providing training on EPO computer tools. Passed the EQE in 2016.

35

WS13 Non-patent literature

We will start with a brief introduction to the importance of non-patent literature for performing a high-quality search: on average, one in five EPO search reports contains a non-patent literature document citation, mainly from academic papers, while more than half of all search reports in chemistry and biotechnology cite non-patent literature.

This will be followed by a demonstration of a typical non-patent literature search.

There will then be a detailed overview of dedicated internet search engines for academic publications and their potential uses (Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline).

The workshop will end with a discussion of additional full-text resources such as e-print servers and open-access journals. You will have an opportunity to interact with the presenters on search strategy issues from the point of view of both the EPO examiner and the patent professional. We will also cover the use of the internet to search and retrieve scholarly publications.

Focus: search strategy, NPL, electrotechnics, healthcare, biotechnology, internet searchLevel of knowledge: beginners / general / field-specific

Els Vadot-Van Geldre, BE, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Studied Pharmacy and did a PhD in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Gent. Joined the EPO in 2001, where she works in the field of drug screening and diagnostics. Performs the regular tasks of an examiner, including classification, search, examination, opposition. Presents on a regular basis at events, like Search Matters and Examination Matters.

36

Yves Verbandt, BE, senior expert, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Engineering degree in electrotechnics with major in applied physics. Ph.D. in photonics from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels, Belgium) in 1996. Post-graduate at the Université Libre de Bruxelles on cardiorespiratory physiology and telemedicine. Joined the European Patent Office in 2001 as a patent examiner in the fields of guided-wave optics, optical measurements and flow measurements. Since 2003 member of the Nanotechnology Working Group at the EPO as the nano-optics expert.

37

WS14 AI tigers in the mist: searching Asian prior art with examples from the field of artificial intelligence

In China, local filing figures are continuing to explode every year – internationally, Chinese companies now rank among the top applicants at the EPO. China’s ongoing national innovation strategy, with recent projects like “Made in China 2025”, focuses heavily on innovative technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).

Asian tech companies are making great strides in developing AI technology, but a large proportion of the patent documents and utility models they produce are not readily accessible to English speakers. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge you need to ensure you do not miss any of these potentially relevant documents.

After highlighting some of the current developments and strategic initiatives in China, the workshop will discuss searching for Asian patent documentation, focusing on strategies for using CPC classes effectively. We will provide practical tips for using Espacenet and official sources of the Chinese Patent Office to retrieve documents that are classified in the CPC by CNIPA and KIPO. We will show how to analyse documentation coverage and discuss differences in Asian documentation coverage between the CPC and the IPC. Efficient classification-based search strategies will be illustrated using examples.

Focus: search strategy, Asian prior art, CPC, Espacenet, AI (artificial intelligence)Level of knowledge: advanced / general / field-specific

Bart Degroote, BE, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO The Hague. Obtained a PhD in physics from the University of Leuven. Prior to joining the EPO, he worked for three years at Imec, a micro- and nanoelectronics research centre. Joined the EPO in 2006 and currently works in the field of printed circuits. Member of the Asian Patent Expert Group.

38

Andrew Thean, GB, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO The Hague. Patent examiner in the fields of image processing (G06T), pattern recognition(G06K9) and speech technology (G10L) since 2008. Member of the EPO Artificial Intelligence core team.

39

WS15 Establishing the publication date of internet disclosures


In all technical fields, the potentially most relevant prior art for an invention may have been made available to the public only on the internet, e.g. in a PDF document or on a webpage. A critical task for the examiner or the professional IP searcher is to establish the date on which the relevant content was made available as well as the circumstances of this disclosure, as this determines whether the disclosure can be relied upon as prior art pursuant to Article 54(2) EPC or whether its status as such is likely to be challenged.

In this workshop, general guidance will be provided as to the applicable legal framework regarding standard and burden of proof according to EPO practice. This is knowledge you need in order to ask the right questions while investigating the date of publication of an internet disclosure. A number of practical methods and computer tools for determining the publication date of an internet disclosure will then be presented. The relevance of dates provided by internet services like the Internet Archive or Google will be addressed. Particular attention will be given to the difficult case where no Internet Archive record is available. The participants will have the opportunity to test these techniques on real cases in the course of the workshop.

Focus: hands-on, internet searchLevel of knowledge: general

Miguel Domingo Vecchioni, FR/ES, team manager, sector Information and Communication Technology, EPO Berlin.Studied mathematics and computer science in Berlin and Paris. Joined the EPO in 2003 and passed the EQE in 2016. Case law expert, in particular in relation to computer-implemented inventions and internet citations. Involved in the drafting of the CII-related sections of the EPO Guidelines. Presenter at various events for national patent offices, applicants and patent attorneys.

40

WS16 Understanding and dealing with lack of unity

An objection of lack of unity often arises at the search stage if the linking concept among the claims is found to be anticipated by the prior art. This finding can have severe consequences for the applicant, and it is thus an important aspect of searching and application drafting.

In this workshop we will review the reasoning on which non-unity objections are based, pointing out typical mistakes, and discuss when and how a non-unity objection can be challenged or dealt with. On the basis of examples, we will further present the situations which may trigger a non-unity objection at the search stage. We will show how applicants can guide examiners through the search and avoid non-unity.

The workshop will be completed by hands-on examples and a real case.

Focus: search strategy, hands-onLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general

Pau Montes, ES, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO Munich. Studied telecommunication engineering (Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain; Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen, Germany). Obtained a PhD from the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Germany, in collaboration with Siemens Healthcare Sector. Experience as a consultant in mobile communications in France and Germany. Joined the EPO in 2007 and passed the EQE in 2013.

Michael Olapinski, DE, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO Munich. Studied physics at the University of Konstanz, Germany, with internships at Bell Labs and Stanford University, USA. Obtained a PhD in biophysics from the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich in collaboration with start-up company Nanion Technologies. Joined the EPO in 2008. Directorate expert on lack of unity.

41

WS17 Google Patents: a more structured haystack


Finding specific patent information on the internet can be a daunting task – simply entering a series of keywords in a general-purpose search engine is unlikely to get you the results you need in an efficient manner. In this workshop I will address the advantages of searching in Google Patents over browsing the internet and show how this tool can be used in a structured approach. A patent search at the EPO can be divided into different stages. In the first stage information from the application is harvested and a first draft of a search table produced. Following a pre-search the search table is completed and strategic decisions are taken. In the main search stage the search table is used to effectively steer the process. In the later stages the results are evaluated and the search can be re-focused and finalised. In this workshop, together with the participants and drawing on practical examples, I will explore how the structured search process which EPO examiners follow can be applied in Google Patents.

Focus: search strategy, internet searching, CPC, Asian prior art, hands-onLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general

Wim van Klompenburg, NL, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Studied biology at Utrecht University, obtaining a PhD from there after a joint project with the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Before joining the EPO he worked for two years as researcher on a project of the Dutch Cancer Foundation. At the EPO he worked for eight years as an examiner in biotechnology and for seven years as a team leader in Learning & Development. For three years now, he has been working in the areas of search, examination and opposition in technical chemistry. He is an experienced EPO trainer and facilitator and has represented the EPO at various events such as job fairs and international meetings.

42

WS18 Searching functional features: how to build comprehensive queries


This workshop looks at the best way to search inventions based on functional features rather than structural elements. It also suggests how to efficiently retrieve relevant prior art when the target technology is more functionally than constructively defined, as for example in multi-use devices, programmable elements, and substances with equivalent effects. In such cases, a search based on structural features is complemented by a functional and conceptual approach, giving a solid representation to the technical scope of the invention, its intended use(s) and the expected technical advantages.

This workshop examines how the functional approach differs from the structural one, and presents some recommendations on its use during the search process, with a particular focus on a query builder based on three levels: the systematic description of equivalents, the enumeration of possible embodiments, and result-oriented queries.

After the theoretical input, the participants will be involved in practical search exercises using the Espacenet platform. Case studies will be presented in the field of electricity and smart grids.

Focus: search strategy, Espacenet, hands-onLevel of knowledge: general / advanced

Alessandro Colombo, IT, team manager, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO Munich. Studied electrical engineering at the Politecnico di Milano. Worked for several years as a project manager at major firms in the electrical industry. Joined the EPO in 2003 as an examiner in the field of electrical power distribution and protection and now acts as chairman of examining divisions and a member of opposition divisions. Passed the EQE in 2010. Since 2011, he has been an instructor and coach for new examiners and has given training at various search and examination workshops.

43

WS19 Does search matter for blockchain?


Today’s hype around blockchain technology is leading to an increase in patent filing related to distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). DLTs encompass and mix crypto-related technologies, computer science, and finance and accounting principles, often offered as open source. Their scope is broad and vague, covering many fields of technology. A DLT can therefore be classified in many fields under the CPC scheme.

The challenge for patent searchers is to ensure that they quickly find and target the most relevant prior art in their field of activity while keeping search noise at a low level.

The aim of this workshop, which comprises various practical examples and will allow you to interact with examiners who are highly experienced in the field, is to provide searchers with methodologies, tips and tricks to meet these challenges.

The examples come mainly from the technical field of mobility, but they require no field-specific knowledge.

Focus: search strategy, CPC, Espacenet, hands-on, mechanics, internet search, information and communication technologyLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general

Alexandre Bitton, FR, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Studied material science at Ecole Européenne d’ingénieurs en Génie des Matériaux, (Nancy, FR) and at Luleå Tekniska Universitet (SE). Worked at Saab Automobile AB (Trollhättan, Sweden) as a test engineer. Joined the EPO in 2001 as an examiner. Currently working in the field of Furniture and Show Stands. Has been involved in coaching newcomers. Member of the Opposition directorate. Passed the EQE in 2008.

44

David Jordan, FR, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Studied mechanic systems at University of Technology of Troyes, (FR) and the Stuttgart University (DE). Worked at Schaeffler Group (Bühl, DE) as a design engineer. Joined the EPO in 2008. Currently working in the field of springs and shock absorbers. Working since 2018 as an IT project specialist for the development of internal IT tools. Has been involved in coaching newcomers and has experience in opposition.

45

WS20 WIPO’s PATENTSCOPE: how to get the most out of it

PatentScope is a major patent database which is available to the public free of charge. It provides excellent full-text searching capability and includes useful functionality which allows the user to obtain a statistical analysis of search results. It also offers a handy data export functionality. In this workshop, we will see how to use its basic functionalities and go through the different tools it provides, including data export, cross-lingual searches and access to the “IPC Green Inventory”, which facilitates searches for patent documents related to environmentally sound technologies. We will also compare it with other free-of-charge databases, such as Google Patents.

Focus: search tool, free-of-chargeLevel of knowledge: general

Iustin Diaconescu, RO, software engineer, head of the Patent Database Section, WIPO, Geneva. Has been involved with document management and retrieval systems since 2000, has been the architect and engineer of complex web systems for several international organizations such as WTO and WHO. Since 2007, has been actively involved in the design, implementation and management of PATENTSCOPE. Holds a Masters in Computer Science from the École Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Switzerland and a Bachelor in Mathematics.

Jérôme Bonnet, FR/CH, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO Munich. Studied communication systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne. Two years at DoCoMo Euro-Labs on innovative receiver designs for mobile communication. Joined the EPO in 2006 as an examiner in the field of data switching networks. Responsible for CPC classification in H04L12. Examiners’ coach, has provided training for external stakeholders, e.g. national patent offices. Presenter at various events.

46

WS21 Searching Markush formulae

Markush formulae are undoubtedly the most efficient way of claiming a generic group of compounds. Indeed, they are essential if applicants are to be given adequate protection for their inventions. However, due to their complex nature, it is not always easy to determine their exact scope. In this workshop we will cover Markush formulae in organic chemistry, with a special focus on pharmaceutical applications and conjugates. An overview will be given on databases/search tools. We will discuss the search strategies for several practical cases – with special focus on non-unity, incomplete search, clarity and support.

Focus: search strategy, healthcare, chemistry, biotechnologyLevel of knowledge: field-specific / advanced

Sally Collins, GB, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Studied Chemistry with medicinal chemistry at Imperial College London. Obtained a PhD in Chemistry from the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Since 2006 examiner at the EPO in the field of 2nd medical use. Passed the EQE in 2013.

Miren Langer, DE, examiner, sector Health Biotechnology Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Studied Pharmacy at the University of Marburg, University of Paris and University of Santiago de Compostela. Postgraduate research at the University of Paris. Obtained a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Munich (LMU). Worked 3 years as a Project Manager (Medical Department) in a pharmaceutical industry. Since 2006 examiner at the EPO in the field of 2nd medical use and targeted drugs. Chairman in opposition procedures. Passed the EQE in 2012.

47

WS22 New beginners interface for PATSTAT Online

The EPO’s statistical database PATSTAT allows you to compile statistical analyses of bibliographic and legal status data. We will demonstrate the new beginners interface for basic queries and how it can be used to expand to more advanced queries using the full potential of the structured query language SQL. We will show how patent data can be used to obtain deeper insight into citation analysis and value indicators.

Focus: search strategyLevel of knowledge: beginners / general

Javier Pose Rodríguez, ES, examiner, sector Information and Communication Technology, EPO Berlin. Studied physics (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain) and worked for five years as consultant in computers and software development. Joined the EPO in November 2002 as examiner in the field of Information retrieval, database structures and Internet. Has been involved in various IT projects to improve the searching capabilities within the EPO. Passed the EQE in 2015.


48

WS23 Search concepts - how to enrich your queries and get better search results

An essential aspect of a high-quality search is its completeness. This in turn requires a strong and flexible search strategy with the right search concepts in place.

However, finding the right concepts is only half the way to a reliable search result. So let’s take the content of our search concepts to the next level.

After a short introduction to search concepts and how they can help structure the search, we will explore how to complement the concepts to improve our search results.

We will explore how to extend the traditional way of using classification symbols and synonyms by enriching a search concept by means of, for example, tradenames, measurement standards and Derwent codes. In practical examples and hands-on exercises we will learn how and where to find this data and how to best make use of it. Suitable for all technical fields.

Focus: search strategy, hands-on, healthcare, chemistry, biotechnology, mechanics, internet searchLevel of knowledge: beginners / general

Rainer Kaysan, DE, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Studied at the University of the Armed Forces in Munich, Germany. MSc in Aerospace Engineering with focus on system dynamics and AI. Master’s degree in economics. Worked in military aircraft development, testing and entry into service. Joined the EPO in 2006. Active in various technical areas for search, examination and opposition procedures. Gives in-house training courses and presents for the European Patent Academy.

49

Andreas Stabel, DE, examiner, sector Healthcare Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO The Hague. Ingénieur Chimiste (Strasbourg, France), PhD in Chemistry (Max-Planck Institute-Mainz, Germany). Worked as researcher and plant manager in the packaging industry. Joined the European Patent Office in 2000. Examiner in the area of optical materials and polymers. Passed the EQE in 2007.

50

WS24 How to perform an efficient and high-quality search despite unclear claims

What techniques can be helpful in developing a successful search strategy when you are confronted with claims lacking clarity and are wondering how to carry out an efficient and high-quality search?

Besides the legal framework established by the EPC and the Guidelines for Examination for assessing an application, the interpretation of written technical statements (such as claims) and the subsequent decision-making for defining the focus for an efficient and high-quality search play a crucial role. In this workshop I will firstly give a brief overview of the topic of clarity within the meaning of Article 84 EPC and the EPO’s Guidelines for Examination. Then we will explore how to quickly grasp the technical idea behind unclear claims, and how to decide what to focus your search on, in order to develop a successful search strategy.

During this workshop I will take the participants on an interactive journey in which we will work together on hands-on case studies related to the industries of automotive engineering, consumer goods or sensing technologies.

Focus: search strategy, Espacenet, hands-on, mechanics, information and communication technologyLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general

Philipp Kienle, DE, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO Munich. After vocational training in electronics, studied physics from 2000 to 2005 at Technische Universität München (Germany), and Princeton University (New Jersey, USA). In 2008 obtained a PhD in Quantum Physics and Photonics from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland). Risk analyst and actuary in the reinsurance industries in Switzerland. Joined the EPO in 2013 and currently works in search, examination and opposition in the technical fields of measuring and testing and optics within applied physics.

51

WS25 Forward search: a complement to keyword- and class-based prior art searches

Prior-art searching is most commonly carried out using keyword- and/or class-based search strategies. In this workshop I will present a complementary technique to these more traditional prior-art search strategies, namely forward prior-art search. By definition, prior-art search involves looking backwards, whereas forward searching implies taking as a starting point a known prior-art document and retrieving related prior-art documents through citation indexing between the known document and documents citing it as well as through document similarity ranking.

At the end of the workshop you will be fully aware of the advantages such a “forward” approach can bring, such as:

– greater efficiency in searching for subject-matter/concepts difficult to express in words

– revealing the timeline in technology development – defining the context and the technical problem when drafting patents – adding more search dimensions to keyword and class search.

The presentation will use a case study to illustrate the recent evolution of available online search tools that make forward searching even more efficient.

Focus: search strategy, Espacenet, internet searchLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general

Marion Sigrist, FR, examiner, sector Mobility and Mechatronics, EPO The Hague. Engineer diploma and PhD in fluid mechanics (IMFT, Toulouse). Studied patent law at CEIPI in Strasbourg. Junior patent attorney in France. Joined the EPO in 2014 and currently performs searches, examination, classification and opposition in the field of horology (mainly mechanics). Passed the EQE in 2018.

52

WS26 Searching cross-technology inventions


Creativity means thinking out of the box, combining seemingly unrelated concepts and ideas. However, patent offices and scientific sites organise documents into technical field classes to facilitate document search. But what if you are interested in a cross-technology invention not fitting into any “box”? This seminar will show you how to tackle this challenge. We will discuss in particular:

– finding and combining relevant classes – finding important keywords – getting more out of a web search.

One of the cross-technology fields we will be discussing relates to medical treatment planning using AI, but the workshop requires no field-specific knowledge.

Focus: search strategy, CPC, Espacenet, hands-on, AI (Artificial Intelligence), healthcare, mechanics, internet searchLevel of knowledge: beginners / advanced / general

Anna Kajzar, PL, examiner, sector Healthcare, Biotechnology and Chemistry, EPO Munich. Has a PhD in biophysics and worked at a research institute (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany) as a scientist before joining the EPO as a patent examiner in radiation therapy. At the EPO, she searches and examines patent applications, as well as acting in opposition proceedings, in the fields of particle and light therapy and surgery.

53

Info stands

Patent information

Visit the Patent Information stand to find out more about: – EPO online products

– Espacenet – Patent Translate – CPC Browser – Common Citation Document

– European Patent Register – Register Alert – Federated Register – Global Dossier – Global Patent Index – Publication server


54

Recent procedural changes

Visit the Patent Procedures stand to meet EPO experts and discuss important recent changes to EPO procedures, including the 2018 edition of the Guidelines for Examination. Highlighted changes include:

– WIPO Digital Access Service (WIPO-DAS) for the electronic exchange of priority documents between participating offices

– improvements in fee handling, including the introduction of credit-card payments, refund methods and validation of online payments

– safeguards in place in case of service interruptions in one or more electronic communication systems

– earlier start of International Preliminary Examination (PCT Chapter II) under Rule 69.1(a) PCT

– migration of videoconferencing services from ISDN to an IP-based platform

Nicolas Wyplosz, FR, administrator, Patent Procedures Management, EPO Munich. Chemical Engineer, Strasbourg; PhD, AMOLF Amsterdam; CEIPI post-grad degree. Joined the EPO in 2001 as patent examiner in Industrial Chemistry. Coordinator, main designer and instructor for the Training department from 2007 to 2017, development of patent-related training material for examiners. Currently in charge of co-ordinating procedural changes and associated work instructions for examiners.

55

Access to documentation from Asia: easier and more comprehensive than you imagined

Visit the Asian Patent Information stand to learn more about effectively accessing Asian documentation and the Asian patent information services the EPO offers. In particular, get information on:

– the coverage of Asian documentation and Asian citations in Espacenet – Common Citation Document as a single point of access to citation data – access to file wrappers from Asia via the Global Dossier service – machine translation of Asian documents by PatentTranslate – classification search in Asian documents – the virtual helpdesk – training opportunities – search and legal status services

Christoph Wirner, DE, examiner, sector Information and Communications Technology, EPO The Hague. Studied physics at Munich’s Technical University and conducted research at its Walter Schottky Institute. Completed the EU Science and Technology Fellowship programme at Osaka University, and worked on a future electron devices research project at Fujitsu Laboratories in Japan. Joined the EPO in 1997 as an examiner in semiconductor technology, where he participated in the EPO-JPO bilateral and EPO-JPO-USPTO trilateral examiner exchange programme and promoted the use of the Japanese Fi/F-term classification system. He previously chaired and is currently a member of the Asian Patent Expert Group. He is also a member of the EPO’s Japanese language expert group.

56

Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)

Visit the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) stand to: – become better informed about the CPC (Co-operative Patent Classification)

in general – receive updates regarding the latest activities of the international co-

operation programme aspects of the CPC – learn about the upcoming deployment of CPC INTL: a new way of storing

and displaying the CPC data received from numerous offices

Pierre Held, FR, administrator, Classification and Documentation, EPO The Hague. Holds a PhD in organic chemistry, University of Strasbourg. Joined the EPO in 1997 as patent examiner in organic chemistry. In 2004 joined the Directorate Classification. Coordinates all international classification activities of the Directorate and manages the trilateral and IP5 cooperation in classification. Member of the EPO-USPTO bilateral Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) Joint governance Board and of APEG. Provides training both within and outside the EPO and regularly speaks at seminars or conferences.

57

The Organising Committee Search Matters 2019

Directorate General (DG) Operations

Dan Peltz, Director

Gemma Mitchell, examiner

Emmeline Marttin, examiner

Elisabeth Neumann, examiner

Georg Schiwy, administrator, DG Operational Support

Giovanna Galli Righi, directorate management assistant

58

European Patent Academy, DG Legal/International Affairs

Enrico Luzzatto, senior advisor

Harald Pichlhöfer, head of department Learning infrastructure and organisational development

Rebecca Plonka, project co-ordinator

Lydia Holland, Marketing & promotion

Piotr Przytulski, Pan-European Seal intern, Marketing & promotion

59

epo.org

VenueEuropean Patent Office (EPO)Bob-van-Benthem-Platz 180469 MunichGermany

Event referenceBC01-2019

Organised by European Patent AcademyEuropean Patent OfficeBob-van-Benthem-Platz 180469 [email protected]/learning

Search Matters 2019 online

Event for patent search professionals 6-8 May 2019 Munich ...€¦ · 08.15 Light breakfast buffet...

Documents

Transcript of Event for patent search professionals 6-8 May 2019 Munich ...€¦ · 08.15 Light breakfast buffet...