Code Revision - IP & Science

Manual Coding System Revision

Derwent World Patents Index Electrical Patents Index (EPI) and Chemical Patents Index (CPI) Manual Code and Fragmentation Code Revision

What are these coding systems?

EPI Manual Codes
The Electrical Patents Index Manual Codes (EPI manual codes) system is a hierarchical classification and indexing system, intended for use as an online retrieval tool for abstracts of Electrical and Electronic engineering patents.

CPI Manual and Fragmentation Codes
The Chemical Patents Index Manual Codes (CPI Manual Codes) and Fragmentation Codes system is a hierarchical classification and indexing system, intended for use as an online retrieval tool for abstracts of Chemical and Biological patents.

How often are these codes revised?

EPI Manual Codes
Since their introduction in 1980, the EPI Manual Codes have been revised 7 times (in consultation with customers) to accommodate changes in technology, provide finer subject matter breakdown and thus improve information retrieval.

CPI Manual and Fragmentation Codes
Since the introduction of Section B Manual and Fragmentation codes in 1963 and Section C codes in 1965, 13 coding revisions have taken place (in consultation with Customers) to accommodate changes in technology, provide finer subject matter breakdown and thus improve information retrieval.

Why are Manual and Fragmentation Codes important?

These codes cover both the novel technical details disclosed within the patent, and the invention's application. They enable an extra level of precision and accuracy when searching patent information.

Why is it important to revise Manual Codes?

We believe that it is critical to index our patent information in line with technological developments, to help our customers find the information they need with precision and accuracy, as easily as possible.

Q3 Conveying; Packaging; Storing

As part of the 2012 DWPI Manual Code Revision process Thomson Reuters has expanded the coverage of the manual codes to primarily enable mechanical aspects of packaging to be highlighted. From 2012 this new coding section includes manual codes covering novel features and applications of packaging and bottling equipment as well as novel packages and containers per se, that were previously only covered at the class level (classes Q31-Q39). The first Q3 code hierarchy is now available to download 79 KB. If you have any suggestions or comments regarding the new code hierarchy please let us know.

If you would like to submit a suggestion for possible inclusion, please email us at: scientific.mcrdwpi@thomsonreuters.com