Publication Changes
Changes as from January 1, 2009
Modification of kind codes
As from January 1, 2009, publication codes ("kind codes") used in order to distinguish PCT international applications published by the International Bureau of WIPO will be modified.
PCT 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 reasons for republication of PCT international applications.
In compliance with WIPO Standard ST.16 [PDF], the following publication codes will be used (additional codes denoted by italics):
| Code | Publication details |
|---|---|
| A1 | International application published with ISR |
| A2 | International application published without ISR |
| A2 | International application published with declaration under Article 17(2)(a) |
| A3 | Later publication of ISR with revised front page |
| A4 | Later publication of amended claims and/or statement (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) |
Example: Under the present system, an international application published with 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 PCT international applications published or republished by the International Bureau on or after January 1, 2009. PCT 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 (Rule 87 and Article 20 DVDs);
- Weekly Published PCT Data through FTP;
- Communication on request (COR)
Key to changes in letter codes
| International application published with ISR | Republication reason | Former system | New system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amended claims and/or statement | A1 | A4 | |
| Corrections to front page bibliographic data | A1 | A8 | |
| Corrections, alterations or supplements | A1 | A9 |
| International application published without ISR | Republication reason | Former system | New system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amended claims and/or statement | A2 | A4 | |
| Corrections to front page bibliographic data | A2 | A8 | |
| Corrections, alterations or supplements | A2 | A9 |
| ISR (published separately from corresponding international application) | Republication reason | Former system | New system |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections to front page bibliographic data | A3 | A8 | |
| Corrections, alterations or supplements | A3 | A9 |
Documentation
- Revised wo-published-application DTD file [ZIP]
Samples
- Samples of wo-published-application XML file and front pages [ZIP]
- Sample of revised index XML file [ZIP]
- Sample of revised index LST file [ZIP]
