Several important changes have been implemented in the STN product line, including STN AnaVist, to accommodate the International Patent Classification (IPC) Reform. The changes ensure continued access to IPC data in STN products and make it easier for you to benefit from IPC data while searching.

All IPC code-containing patent databases on STN and in STN AnaVist will be able to accommodate patent documents with new IPC 8 codes (also referred to as IPC symbols). The use of IPC 8 codes by patent-issuing organizations was initiated the week of January 1, 2006, when IPC Reform went into effect.

To accommodate these changes, the Derwent World Patents Index (WPI) file is to be reloaded on STN. The 2006 enhancements will include IPC 8 compliancy, additional material from the patent family members not previously available, addition of extra Documentation Abstracts and improvements to the Derwent Chemistry Resource (DCR).

These enhancements will have a positive impact on your searching. To enable you to find out more about both the WPI reload and IPC Reform and their impact on searching STN databases, we have arranged for a special presentation in co-operation with our colleagues from FIZ Karlsruhe. This will be held in London on Thursday 30^th March 10 am - 1pm. To book please use the registration form or send an e-mail to the Agency Helpdesk.