PDF, PCT Yearly Review - WIPO

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B.6 Terminology
In 2010 the IB continued to develop terminology databases aimed at improving the quality of internally and
externally produced translations. During 2010, 6,901 new terms were added to the PCT terminology
database across all 10 PCT publication languages, and 8,248 terms were validated. At the end of 2010, the
database contained 47,901 terms.
The main objective for 2011 will be to validate all previously unvalidated terms in the database to ensure
the quality and reliability of this resource. The IB also plans to increase the number of terms available in
certain languages that are currently underrepresented in the database, and to seek partnerships with
external institutions that could assist with the validation of highly technical terminology.
In addition, a number of new functionalities were added to PATENTSCOPE in 2010 with a view to improving
keyword-based information retrieval. These are described in subsection C.1.
B.7 Publication Timeliness
The PCT provides that PCT applications and related documents shall be published “promptly” after the
expiration of 18 months from the priority date, unless the applicant requests early publication or the
application is withdrawn or considered withdrawn. Figure B.7 shows actual publication timeliness after the
expiration of the 18-month period.
Figure B.7: Timeliness of publishing PCT applications
100
< 1 week between 1 - 2 weeks between 2 - 3 weeks between 3 - 4 weeks > 4 weeks
Share of PCT Applications published within one Week (%)
42.7 57.3 44.1 22.0 7.4 8.4 49.1 43.1 54.8 65.9 74.2
Distribution by Delays (%)
75
50
25
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Publication Year
Source: WIPO Statistics Database
> In 2010, 74.2% of PCT applications were published within the week following the expiration of 18
months from the priority date, and 96.2% were published within two weeks. This represents the shortest
figures for timeliness of publication of the past decade.