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For InnovationImplementation of the Reformed IPC at the UK Patent OfficeJohn Earley Project Manager, UKPO Geneva, July 2023 For InnovationContents1. Implementation of the Reformed IPC and ECLA2. IT aspects of implementation3. Examiner training and guidance4. Generating IPC8 terms using Classtool5. ConclusionFor Innovation 1. Implementation of the Reformed IPC and ECLAFor InnovationIntroduction? 20232023: UKPO classify on UKC and IPC7 and search on UKC and ECLA? We knew that IPC8 was due for introduction on 1 January 2023? … but it was postponed for one year at the request of the EPO。 this was weled by many!? Extra year eased our preparationsFor InnovationEPO ask UK to “participate in ECLA classification”? Herwig Pauwels (EPO) asked us in 2023? Reasons: to widen coverage of EPOQUE to include documents not previously classified to ECLA in the case of GB documents, to save EPO classification effort? UK agreed at a “high level” in 2023For InnovationDecisions on ECLA/IPC8? Feb 2023 – paper on IT aspects of new IPC ? Senior management ment “I want us to walk so close to the EPO that we could win a 3legged race”? Dec 2023 – decision to classify UK patent applications on ECLA。 automatic conversion of ECLA terms to generate AL IPC8 termsFor InnovationPreparatory consultationsMany avenues of consultation including:? EPO Member States meetings in The Hague? Many meetings with the EPO, on a bilateral basis or in fringes of meetings? Consultations with Sweden who started the process earlier? IPC CE meetings in Geneva and separate meetings for IT expertsFor Innovation2. IT aspects of implementation For InnovationStrategy for IPC8 and ECLA classification? Strategy paper produced outlining: steps needed training needed timetable for each step to be pleted (over a period up to November 2023), and risk assessmentsFor InnovationRisk assessment? Only significant risk: IT solutions may not be ready in time for midNovember 2023? Contingency plan: no ECLA classification, no classtool (see later), make IPC8 terms valid on OPTICS (see later), apply IPC7 and new IPC8 terms while system cosmetically reformats the data from old to new ? Contingency plan not put into operation!For InnovationAdapting our internal systems? OPTICS (Office of Patents and Trademarks Integrated Computer System) – old system dat