Formatting a Publication Number
This help topic is a guide to the different publication number formats for the Major Full Text Collections within XLPAT. Publication numbers typically consists of up to three elements. Different formats from different authorities will use anywhere between one and all of these:
1. Sometimes there is a Classification Code at the beginning of the publication number mentioned in example column. Classification codes define the type of document. These codes usually consist of one- or two-digit numbers, but they can sometimes be letters and/or additional letters added to the end of the document authority code.
2. If there is a Year and Century forming part of the number, it is usually two or four digits. These digits appear, either at the start of the number, or following a classification code (should there be one).
3. The Serial number, which may vary in length between and within authorities. This number is usually at the end, and can often be the sole element used.
Therefore, if you are searching for a publication number standardized by a different source, the easiest way to find the correct format is often by referencing a known document of the same kind and similar time period. In other words, look at a similar document’s publication number for the existence and format of the above three elements, then convert accordingly. Where the “serial number” varies in length between documents, some sources may try to keep the length consistent by adding leading zeroes. Therefore inserting leading wildcards, or replacing existing zeroes with wildcards, within this section of the number may also help find the correct document. You may also try substituting alternative date formats or adding wildcards to allow for classification codes when you are unsure of how a particular authority publishes their numbers.
Select a patent authority to view XLPAT® publication number formatting requirements:
1. CA – Canada
2. CN – China
3. EP – European Patent Office
4. FR – France
5. GB – Great Britain
6. JP – Japan
7. US – United States of America
8. WO – World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
9. KR – Republic of Korea
10. IN – India