JP3363427B2 - Examination information disclosure support system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0001] [0001] The present invention relates to an examination information disclosure support system.
Patents in several countries
Suitable for supporting disclosure of prior art information when requested
Examination information disclosure support methods and systems
It is. [0002] 2. Description of the Related Art One application for the same invention or related invention
As multiple countries or regions such as EPO (hereinafter simply referred to as countries)
If an application is granted, or if the application is
If a related application is filed, the examination will be conducted independently for each country
And is processed on an application-by-application basis.
The technology is also quoted in each country and application, or
Must be presented to the JPO. For example, regarding a US application,
Disclosure of prior art related to the invention of the application
Is required. In addition, after filing,
Is the relevant link cited in the relevant application to another country.
Prior art also discloses information to the U.S. Patent Office
Is required. For example, in EPO etc.
By making a request, a search report is issued and
Of course must be disclosed to the US Patent Office. [0004] Examination-related information including these prior arts
Is usually copied on paper as a recording medium,
Sent between the applicant and the Patent Office. [0005] [Problems to be solved by the invention] Same invention or related
Prior art disclosed or cited for the invention
Some of them are duplicated. Extreme
In this case, the same prior art disclosed in the U.S. application
Quoted in the EPO search report,
It may be cited in examinations of PO and Japan.
On the other hand, with the advancement of technology, one patent application was
The number of prior art used and the number of pages for each prior art will increase
There is a tendency. Therefore, prior art related to the examination of a certain country
Technical information to the patent offices of other countries,
Time and effort required for copying when contacting the applicant
It is inevitable that the cost will increase. Also these
To save prior art information related to the examination as a document
This also increases the storage space required for application filing, etc.
However, it is a cost increase factor. In addition, special features of the review process
It is necessary to maintain the confidentiality of a licensed application. [0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide prior art related to examination.
Time and effort required for copying when contacting information with related parties
Method for supporting disclosure of examination information that can reduce the cost required
And a system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a prior
Save storage space for application filing etc. when storing technical information
And the possibility of confidential disclosure of patent applications
To provide a screening information disclosure support method and system
It is in. [0008] Means for Solving the Problems The present invention provides:Input means,
Processor, memory,Output means, And a processing programYes
DoUsing a computerIncluding Japan and the United StatesMultiple
Patent application to the country for the same or related inventionAbout
The Japanese agent will then provide examination information and new information
Prior cited prior art to U.S. Patent Office via U.S. agent
Generating Prior Art Information for Information DisclosureJudging
An information disclosure support system,The examination information disclosure service
The port system will be contacted by the Japanese agent
US agents who handle U.S. patent application
Agent information file that records the information that is
A list of prior art already disclosed or cited for the application.
Storage device that holds a disclosure record file that records the list
Prior art data to contact the U.S. agent
Provision of an examination prior art management department that generates as technical information
The Examination Prior Art Management Department has a
Function for determining a method of disclosing a technique, and the determined disclosure method
Information disclosure editor that edits information to be disclosed based on the law
Information disclosure recording means for recording the result of the information disclosure
The agent information file has the
For each U.S. agent, besides the number of the patent application in charge,
Prior art is readily available and difficult for the U.S. agent.
Communication on the field and the prior art in the hard-to-find field
Information on the method is recorded as individual agent information,
The Examining Prior Art Management Department has a
Information of prior art newly cited in an application country other than the
Examination information is received and the
With reference to the list of prior art disclosed or cited in
A list of new prior arts that should be newly contacted by U.S. agents
And refer to the individual agent information in the agent information file.
In the fields that are difficult to obtain in the above list of new prior art
Applicable U.S. agent to the prior art with electronic data
Generate a list of electronic data required to contact
Prior art electronic data corresponding to the electronic data required list
The new prior art list and the examination information
Report, the electronic data required list and the electronic data list
Corresponding prior art electronic data to new prior art information When
To generate and output the new prior art information.
Recorded in the information disclosure recording meansIt is characterized by doing. [0009] [0010] According to the present invention, prior art related to examination
Keep track of the situation and past disclosure of the
Electronic data within the necessary range by referring to
Notify foreign agents, applicants, and other related parties using the
By printing these prior arts on paper.
Time and effort required for copying compared to printing and contacting
Costs can be reduced. Also work in this way
Reads electronic data of prior art information
By storing them on a recordable medium,
Compared to printing on paper and storing
Space can be saved. In addition, all information related to the review
Electronic data of prior art information only
Therefore, only prior art that is not valuable as confidential information is imported.
It can be transmitted using the Internet, and a patent application
The possibility that confidential information regarding information is leaked to the outside can be reduced. [0011] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
Will be described. First, FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention.
Network using the information disclosure support system
It is a figure showing the example of composition. In this embodiment, the description will be simplified.
In order to do so, the invention of the patent applicant in Country A (eg Japan)
Is Country A, Country B (for example, United States), Country C (for example, EPO)
Each of these patent offices shall be filed separately. Figure 1
10 is a patent applicant's patent application management system.
And at least an application management unit 11. 20 is A
It is a patent application management system of the national agent, and the application management department 2
1. Examination prior art management unit 22A, Internet terminal
22B. 30 is a patent issued by the Patent Office of Country A
The application management system is a patent application management system
System and a dedicated line. 40 is the agent of country B
This is a patent application management system.
A network terminal 42. 43 is the Patent Office of Country B
It is a patent application management system. On the other hand, 50 is agent of country C
Patent application management system, comprising an application management unit 51
ing. Reference numeral 52 is the patent application management system of the Patent Office of Country C.
It is. Each patent application management system is a computer
Needless to say, the configuration is made using data. An embodiment based on FIGS. 1 and 2 described below.
, The patent application management system of the A country agent and the B country agent
Examination and prior art using the Internet 60 between stems
A state in which part of the information about the technique is mutually transmitted and received by e-mail
And the subject of the examination information is in writing (including FAX)
Suppose you are in contact. In addition, with the agent of country A
Between the agents of Country C, only in writing (including FAX)
Examination information including more prior art shall be communicated.
You. Published or patented inventions on the Internet 60
Prior art search browsers 61 and 62 including
ing. Next, FIG. 2 shows a patent issued by the agent of Country A in FIG.
Examination information disclosure support provided in the application management system 20
It is a figure showing an example of a system. Patent application management system
20 is stored in a CPU, a memory, an external storage device, or a memory
Equipped with various application management programs and input / output means
Configured with at least two computers
You. That is, the application management unit 21 and the examination prior art management unit 2
2A and at least one computer,
Internet terminal 22B independent of computer
It is composed of one computer. The application management section 2 of the patent application management system 20
1 is the deadline management unit 211 and various procedures related to patent applications,
Record data such as an overview of the examination progress in the storage device 23
Recording means 212 for recording. Further, the examination prior art management section 22 A
Supports disclosure and provision of related prior art information
Yes, disclosure method determining means for determining the disclosure method of the prior art
221, edit disclosure information based on the determined disclosure method
Information disclosure editing means 223 to record the result of information disclosure
Information disclosure recording means 224 and data transmitted and received by e-mail.
Data compression / decompression means 227 for performing data compression / decompression processing
Having. The Internet terminal 22B is a modem or the like.
Communication control unit 26 of the prior art required for disclosure
Prior art search means 222 for obtaining data,
Processing unit 226 and input / output means 228,
It is provided independently of the technology management unit 22A. this
To eliminate the possibility of confidential disclosure of patent applications
It is. Note that the examination prior art management unit 22A and the Internet
The exchange of data between the communication terminals 22B is performed by MO or
Copies such as Loppy (registered trademark) disks and CD-RAM
This is performed using a computer-readable recording medium. Further, the storage device 23 stores foreign application management data.
Data file 231, agent information file 232,
Examination prior art list file 233 and examination prior art
The electronic data file 234 is recorded and held. This
These files are, for example, Case No. And application country
It is linked so that you can search by key. The agent information file 232 stores information on the country of application.
Information about the handling of prior art for the agent
Record as information. In addition, the files in the prior art
Ill 233 contains the prior art already disclosed or cited.
Of the prior art corresponding to the list is recorded.
Electronic data is recorded in a file 234. Reference numeral 24 denotes input / output means, which is an interface.
Patent application management system via a software bus 25 and a system bus
20 application management sections 21, examination prior art management section 22A,
The storage device 23 is connected to the processing device. Input / output means 24
Is a keyboard, display screen as input means
Paired mouse, image scanner, computer
It includes a readable recording medium and the like. Output means
Includes display, recording media, printer, etc.
You. FIG. 3 shows the examination information disclosure support system shown in FIG.
2 shows an example of a data structure held in the storage device 23 of the system.
You. Foreign application management data file 231 is shown in (a).
As shown, for example, Case NO.
 , Applicant, basic application, application country, agent, application date, etc.
A summary of the progress of the separate examination is recorded. The agent information file 2 shown in FIG.
32 contains general information such as country name, agent name, contact information, etc.
In addition, locally available prior art fields such as USP
Data such as the full specification and the full PCT publication
And how to report prior art, for example,
The prior art, such as all fields in the line technology field can be reported by e-mail
To send and receive some information about
Necessary information is recorded in a searchable manner for each item. Further, the prior art list at the time of filing shown in FIG.
233 filed when filing an application in Country B (for example, the United States)
Data relating to the prior art that has been implemented. This example
Discloses four prior arts. The prior art at the time of filing is described in US
Patent specifications are also available to Country B agents. Only
At the time of filing, various documents must be submitted,
That there is no time limit for processing and the need for confidentiality
Considering the high cost, all prior art is
Prepared by agent, read in writing or computer
Save it on a recordable medium and send it to the agent in country B
Is desirable. These prior arts remain in B
A copy shall be kept with the agent. Next, FIG. 4 shows the examination information disclosure support of FIG.
The data held in the storage device 23 along with the operation of the
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure. (A) Corresponding foreign application destination
The line technology list 2332 is a list of identical, related inventions.
For example, if you receive a search report from EPO,
The following is a list of prior arts. On the other hand, the new prior art list 233 shown in FIG.
4 is a search report (corresponding foreign application prior art list 2)
332) and the prior art list 233 at the time of filing.
New prior arts are listed. This
In the example, four new prior arts are listed.
You. Next, the electronic data creation list shown in FIG.
2334 provides the Agent of Country B with a statement, drawing or
Need to send detailed electronic data of new prior art
Here is a list of things. This electronic data creation list 233
4 is the new prior art list 2334, (1) Application
In the prior art list 2333, (2) Country B
Prior art areas that are readily available to humans, such as USP specifications and
It is created excluding the PCT publication. In this example,
(1) Electronic data for two references not falling under (2)
Data needs to be created. Of these, the UK Patent Gazette
For example, the prior art is detected via the Internet 60, for example.
Access the cable search browsers 61 and 62,
Transmission of image data and text data related to drawings, etc.
Get child data. On the other hand, search browsers 61 and 62
For information that is difficult to obtain in the field, for example, IEEE INC.,
Search report documents received in the form of
To the examination prior art management section 22A through the
Get the data. Next, in the disclosure record file 234 shown in FIG.
Received the prior art disclosed at the time of filing and the search report.
The prior arts that have been disclosed are listed. In this example
Lists eight prior arts. Also,
Electronic data of the disclosed prior art and prior art cited in the examination
Data is also kept. Next, according to the flowchart of FIG.
The action of support for disclosure of examination information by the agent's computer
Explain the work. First of all, prior art application was filed in foreign country B.
A list is created and entered into the examination prior art management
The data is saved (S502). Next, the same, related invention
New examination information for the application in Country A or Country C
If there is a search report or notice of reasons for refusal (S
504), same by image scanner, etc., related invention
Electronic data of new examination information for applications in countries A and C
Input to the examination prior art management unit 22A (S50
6). Then, the cited prior art based on the new examination information
Is created as a list of corresponding foreign application prior art
Otherwise, the list is updated (S508). In addition, when applying
Collation of the line technology list with the corresponding foreign application prior art list,
Identify prior art that requires new information disclosure and
A technology list is created (S510). Further, referring to the agent information, a new preceding
New precedence in the technology list that needs to be sent to country B agent
A technology is selected and a selected prior art list is created (S51).
2). And electronic data of the selected prior art list
Of the prior art search means 22 of the Internet terminal 22B.
2 etc. (514), it is difficult to obtain electronic data
List of prior arts that need to create their own electronic data
(= Electronic data list required) (516). Further, an electric power is required by using an image scanner or the like.
Creates prior art electronic data in the child data list and
It is input to the prior art management unit 22A (518). Further
The e-mail processing unit 22 of the Internet terminal 22B
6. E-mail for sending new examination information and new prior art
(520). Finally, the examination prior art management unit 22
A by the disclosure recording means 224 of A
33 and electronic data files 234.
Record disclosure results and disclosed electronic data
(522). FIG. 6 shows a prior art report prepared by the above method.
Here is an example of a report and an example of a US IDS list. Prior art report
The book contains a list of the six references cited in the search report.
With four prior art electronic data attached
ing. The US IDS list also includes (1) US Patent
(2) Non-US Patent Literature and (3) Non-Patent Literature
The prior art is described separately. FIG. 7 is based on the embodiment of FIG. 2 described above.
Document about examination information using the network of Fig. 1
And the flow of electronic data. In the figure, the broken line is paper or FAX
Shows the flow of examination-related information using
Shows the flow of electronic data online
ing. Cited in the search report of the Patent Office C
In the publications, prior art telecommunications that are difficult to obtain
Only child data, along with search report, to country B agent
Prior art sent by email and obtained by an agent in Country B
And use of some of the prior art sent at the time of filing.
Completes the information required for disclosure and supports search reports
In this manner, the prior art information is disclosed to the Patent Office of Country B.
Telephones created to the extent necessary based on the request of the agent of Country B
Utilizing child data, search report of Patent Office C
Compared to contacting an agent in Country B
Can save the trouble of copying and the cost of communication.
You. The present invention is not limited to all the information
The feature is that only the line technical information is converted into electronic data and processed.
There is. Due to this, it is not originally valuable as confidential information
Send only prior art using the Internet
Confidential information about patent applications may leak to the outside
Sex is extremely low. FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration example of an examination information disclosure support system. This fruit
In the embodiment, the terminal for the Internet is different from the embodiment of FIG.
In that the examination information receiving means 220 is added to 22B
different. Also, the agent in Country C has an Internet terminal.
The agent of country A is not only the agent of country B, but also the representative of country C.
Internet between patent application management systems
A part of information on the prior art using the
Is sent and received by e-mail, and the main
Body is in communication by writing (including fax)
Shall be. Also, the agent information file 232 contains C
Some prior art information may be exchanged with national agents.
Information necessary for sending and receiving by e-mail is recorded.
You. In addition, such information and electronic data of the prior art are recorded.
Hold it in the medium and store it in the application form for utilization.
You can also. Utilize recording media that records electronic data
In particular, the search report of the Patent Office of Country C
Compared to copying and saving or printing and contacting
To save storage space and reduce
While saving costs. FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the embodiment of FIG.
The operation of the examination information receiving means 220 will be described. First, C
Receive notification of new screening information from the country by e-mail (90
2). This new examination information notification includes, for example, a search report.
Information including a list of prior art, such as
Based on the new examination information notice, Country A's agent
Prior art for which it is difficult to obtain electronic data in the examination information notification
Electronic data receiving target Prior art receiving electronic data
(Electronic Data List Required)
4). Send this electronic data list by email to Country C
To request transmission of data (906). Next, country C
Based on notification of examination information and electronic data required list
Receiving electronic data of line technology by e-mail (906)
The information is input to the examination prior art management unit 22A via the recording medium and opened.
The recording unit 224 stores the data in the recording device. Hereinafter, FIG.
Processing similar to that described in steps 508 to 522 is performed.
It is. FIG. 10 shows the configuration of FIG. 1 based on the embodiment of FIG.
Written and electronic data on audit information using
This shows the flow of data. Search report of Patent Office C is also electronic
Distribution in written form by receiving in the form of data
The number of prior art is greatly reduced. Also cited publications
Of the prior art electronic data that is difficult to obtain
Only the data, along with the search report,
Prior art, sent by a local government and obtained by an agent in Country B;
Search by combining with the prior art sent at the time of application
Disclosure of prior art information to Patent Office B in a form corresponding to the report
An indication is made. FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows a configuration example of a review information disclosure support system. This
In the embodiment of the present invention, the examination prior art management unit 22A
Notification means 225, and as the examination progresses,
Directive received from the Office, that is, prior art included in the new examination information
Surgery is also converted into electronic data for processing. These information
Computer-readable information and electronic data of the prior art
And hold it in the application document.
It is also possible to save space on the application copy. Or
In addition, the applicant receives electronic data of prior art information on a recording medium.
If you wish to remove it, write the letter
Can be contacted along. Referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of the example examination information reporting means 225 will be described. Country B
If there is any new screening information from them (S1202), leave country B
The new examination information of the application is converted into electronic data (S1204), and B
It is recorded in the national examination progress data file (S1206).
Furthermore, a list of cited prior art is created from the new examination information,
Update (Country B examination prior art list) is performed (S120).
8). And the prior art list at the time of application and the corresponding foreign application
Collate the line technology list, identify the prior art that needs to be obtained,
A country selection prior art list is created (S1210). Further
In the new prior art list, refer to the applicant information
Select new prior art that needs to be sent and send
A technology list is created (S1212). Also, send to applicant
Electronic data in the prior art list attached to prior art search means, etc.
From the Internet, hold it on a recording medium,
List of difficult prior arts (electronic data list required)
It is created (S1214). In addition, new examination information and new
Edit the letter that informs the regulatory disclosure information (S121
6). Letters and prior art information created in this way
The electronic data is stored in a recording medium and sent to the applicant.
Finally, the content of the shipment to the applicant is
(S1218). FIG. 13 shows the examination information disclosure support of FIG.
4 shows an example of data stored in a storage device of the system.
(A) is a new prior art list. In this example, three cases are listed.
There is a reference. Of these, abstracts, specifications, drawings
Those requiring the creation of electronic data for details are (b)
There is only one item shown in the electronic data required list. FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 based on the embodiment of FIG.
Written and electronic information on examination information using the network
4 shows the flow of data. According to this example,
Necessary prior art information based on the situation of the
Electronic data within a range and use the Internet
By contacting the relevant parties such as agents and applicants,
Compared to the case where these prior arts are printed on paper and contacted,
The labor required for copying and the cost required for communication can be reduced. Ma
The electronic data of prior art information created in this way
By storing these on a recording medium, these prior arts can be printed on paper.
Compared to printing and saving, the storage space for application
Saving money. Also, not all information related to the examination
By converting only prior art information into electronic data,
Only prior art that has no value as confidential information
Can be sent using the
The possibility that confidential information leaks to the outside can be reduced. In the embodiment described above, the agent of the country A is the principal
To edit prior art information, etc.
Part or all of it by an agent or patent applicant from another country
Processing may be performed. In addition, the early filing of patent applications in Japan
Same invention edited by the above method at the time of request for final examination
Used to submit prior art information of other application countries
May be. [0043] According to the present invention, the prior art related to examination
Information about the other party who has obtained the
Electronic data within the necessary range by referring to
By contacting the relevant parties using the
Compared to printing prior art on paper and communicating,
The required labor and communication costs can be reduced. Also,
The electronic data of prior art information created in this way is
By saving it on a computer-readable recording medium,
Print and save or communicate these prior art on paper
Storage space for application copies, etc.
You. In addition, not all information related to the examination
Electronic data of only technical information is inherently confidential
Use only the prior art that is not valuable
Confidential information about the patent application
Is very unlikely to leak out.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a network using an examination information disclosure support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an examination information disclosure support system of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a storage device of the examination information disclosure support system of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a storage device of the examination information disclosure support system of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the examination information disclosure support system of FIG. 2; 6 is a diagram showing an example of a prior art report created using the examination information disclosure support system of FIG. 2 and an example of a US IDS list. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a flow of documents and electronic data relating to examination information using the network of FIG. 1 based on the embodiment of FIG. 2; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an examination information disclosure support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the examination information receiving means of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flow of documents and electronic data relating to examination information using the network of FIG. 1 based on the embodiment of FIG. 8; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an examination information disclosure support system according to another embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the examination information reporting means of the embodiment of FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in a storage device of the examination information disclosure support system in FIG. 11; 14 is a diagram showing flows of documents and electronic data relating to examination information using the network of FIG. 1 based on the embodiment of FIG. 11; [Description of Signs] 20: Patent Application Management System, 21: Application Management Department, 22
A: Examination prior art management unit, 22B: Internet terminal, 23: Storage device, 221: Disclosure method determination means, 22
2 ... prior art search means, 223 ... information disclosure editing means, 2
24 ... Information disclosure recording means, 226 ... E-mail processing unit, 2
28 Input / output means, 231 Foreign application management data file, 232 Agent information file, 233 Examination prior art list file, 234 Examining prior art electronic data file

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 17/60 154 G06F 17/30 170

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims 1] The same or related invention to a plurality of countries including Japan and the United States using a computer having an input means, a processor, a memory, an output means, and a processing program. For such patent applications, a Japanese agent generates prior art information for the purpose of disclosing examination information of the application country other than the U.S. and new cited prior art to the U.S. Patent Office via the U.S. agent. An information disclosure support system, wherein the examination information disclosure support system receives an information from the Japanese agent and records information on a plurality of U.S. agents who handle U.S. patent application work; A storage device holding a disclosure record file that contains a list of prior art already disclosed or cited for each U.S. patent application, and contacting the U.S. agent A prior art management unit for generating prior art data to be obtained as prior art information, wherein the prior art management unit for examination includes a function of determining a prior art disclosure method for each agent, An information disclosure editing function for editing information to be disclosed based on a disclosure method; and an information disclosure recording unit for recording a result of information disclosure. In each case, in addition to the number of the patent application in charge, information on the areas where the prior art is readily available and difficult for the U.S. agent, and information on how to communicate the prior art in the areas where the U.S. agent is difficult to obtain are recorded as individual agent information. The Examining Prior Art Management Department receives prior art information and examination information newly cited in an application country other than the U.S.A. A new prior art list to be newly contacted to the U.S. agent is selected with reference to the already disclosed or cited prior art list, and the new agent is referred to by referring to the individual agent information in the agent information file. Generate a list of electronic priorities corresponding to a field that is difficult to obtain in the prior art list and to notify the U.S. agent of the contents of the prior art as electronic data, and generate a list of electronic priorities corresponding to the electronic data necessary list. Receiving the data, generating and outputting the new prior art list, the examination information, the electronic data required list and the electronic data of the prior art corresponding to the electronic data list as new prior art information, and outputting the new prior art. An examination information disclosure support system, wherein information is recorded in the information disclosure recording means.