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eferred limit of 17 characters after the slash for cost/plexity reasons? This prevents ECLA bination codes being recorded。 searching of IPC8 terms not allowed on OPTICS (better searched on EPOQUE)? High level agreement needed for thatFor InnovationNumber of classification systems? UKC, IPC8 and ECLA – 3 systems? Management concerns that 3 systems could increase load on examiners and reduce patent examiner output ? Solution: automatic conversion of ECLA terms to IPC8 terms, subject to confirmation or change? Management accepted that was not 3 systems? Automatic conversion not always possible due to ECLA/IPC8 inconsistenciesFor InnovationECLA/IPC8inconsistencies? ECLA based on IPC7 but some subclasses based on earlier editions。 access to new classtoolFor InnovationClasstool? New classtool linked to PROSE? Inspired by EPO’s classtool? Examiners now record ECLA and IPC8 on classtool but still record UKC directly on PROSE? Brief demonstration laterFor InnovationWIPO Standard ? Old has IPC information in 18 characters。 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 dating back to 1980s but still works well? Records classifications, legal information, register information, fees etc.。For InnovationImplementation of the Reformed IPC