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24
Guide to STN Patent Databases
4 The dynamics of the patent procedure
There is a big difference between patent databases and other biographical databases, and it is this: the patent
databases have to reflect the actual progress of a patent application, examination and granting. Thus the
document entered into the database shows the stage the application has reached at a particular time, for instance
after publication of the application. The data that are published in respect of the application after this date are
added to the databases later. They use a variety of principles in the way they do this updating.
1st
publication
2nd
publication
Database
Record
1st publication
Figure: Static principle
4.1 Static principle
1st
publication
2nd
publication
Documentation unit
= Record
Data of the 1st publication
+ Data of the 2nd
publication
TI ...
PA ...
PI ...
Figure: Dynamic principle
A publication (e.g. an unexamined application) is received as a record (= documentation unit) in the database. This
record is never altered. A further publication (e.g. the granted patent) or changes to the legal status are not
recorded in the database.
This principle is employed in the JAPIO and PCTFULL databases (and in most of the scientific literature databases).
4.2 Dynamic Principle
A new record is set up in the database at the point of the first publication, and any details of the publication, and
possibly the legal status, are entered at this stage.
When a new publication takes place or the legal status changes, the content of the original record is altered, with
the result that one record is used for one patent application procedure, however many publication events have
taken place.
This 'dynamic' principle is used in the PATDPA, DWPI (invention level) and INPAFAMDB databases, for instance.
4.3 Mixed principles
only a small number of fields is updated. The bibliographical details and text of a new patent publication for a
particular application (patent procedure) are recorded in a new document (record) in the database. Here are the
most important principles used:
4.3.1 Static principle using separate documents
When the first publication is made of a particular invention the first document is entered into the database holding
the bibliographical details and text substance of the publication. If later a patent is granted the new publication and