In 2003, the automation of the SIPO was progress as scheduled. Some of the projects had go into operation and would play a bigger role in serving the IPR undertakings.

1. Chinese Patent Management System (CPMS III)

Continue testing and trial operation. From February, sub-system for preliminary examination, PCT sub-system, sub-system for substantive examination started trial operation. In October, new applications entered into CPMS III instead of CPMS II and had long application numbers.

2. E-Filing System

Set up the testing environment within the SIPO. Enter the virtual operation environment. System tested by virtual users. Publish notices at the government web site of the SIPO. Issue the Trial Regulation on Patent Electronic Application (Draft for Opinions) and Trial Draft on Defining the File Type of Patent Electronic Application ( Draft for Opinions) and organized relevant training.

3. Examination Assistant System

After testing, the functions of the system basically satisfied the need for examination. It would continue beta test. Application software had been installed on nearly 600 testing terminals.

4. E-Document System

All the necessary equipment for the upgrade of graphic files had been installed and tested. The entire system was running smoothly. Supply and demand analysis for the digital file system had been finished. Prepare and test the system prototype and database environment.

5. Search System and Database Construction

Process of code data was finished as scheduled. By December 2003, all the full-text Chinese patents had been converted into XML format. 3,000 pieces of data for Traditional Chinese Medicine Database had been checked.The Industrial Design Search System was initiated in August. All the data on CD-ROMs from 1985 had been input into the system. Image scanning for industrial design was initiated in June. Relevant graphic data from 1999 had been processed. The design of the first phase database and indexing of data for the Deep Indexed China Chemical Medicine Patent Database had been finished. Hardware for non-patent documentation database system was upgraded. All client software had been installed. The contract for purchasing the pharmacy digest database was implemented and data was updated on time.

6. National Patent Information Service Platform

Study carefully of the users of the platform. Draft a study report and preliminary plan for the construction of the platform. Report to the National Patent Working Conference.

7. National Patent Information Administration System

Start and finish bidding. Organize an meeting in Guangzhou, attended by a dozen of provincial level IP offices to examine the technical plan for the system and confirm the plan. Finish the procumbent, installation, testing, module development for the software and hardware supporting platform. Enter into trial operation.

8. Information Management Sub-system

Finish bidding documents, pre-subject study, bidding process, negotiation, contract drafting and demand study. The system would be operational in the first half of 2004.

9. Network Application and Administration

Enhance Intranet administration and integration. Formulate the Administration of Intranet Sites. Develop new portal site of the Intranet. Finish the physical barrier between the Internet and Intranet upon the request of the State, providing necessary technical safeguard for network security. Expand the exchanger of telephones. The four first digits of the SIPO switched from 6209 to 6208. Establish microwave relay stations between the main building and two outside office locations, solving the issue of unstable quality network of communication. Upgrade EPOQUE system along with EPO experts.

10. Standardization

Finish eight standardization projects, including patent application number, patent documentation number, patent documentation type identification code, first part of patent electric data, second part of patent electric data, format of program table, fundamental standardized terms of patent work, comprehensive plan of the standardization of SIPO.Issue the Patent Application Number Standardization through the 32nd Commissioner Order of the SIPO (ZC 0006-2003).

11. International Standardization Work of WIPO SCIT

The SIPO had been attaching great attention to the Standardization Work of WIPO. In 2003, the SIPO organized translation and publication of the latest version of WIPO Standardization Text and establish relevant WIPO SCIT working program.

12. International Exchanges and Cooperation on Automation

Organize the First Meeting of Joint Expert Group of Automation of SIPO, JPO and KIPO. Devise a structure for trilateral cooperation. Prepare to launch a trilateral web site. Make technical solutions for the exchange of patent priority documents. Participate in the implementation of trilateral exchanges of lexicon and priority documents. Negotiate with EPO on EPOQUE cooperation. Expand cooperative scope with EU.

13. Other Work

Ensuring the smooth moving to the new office building, Automation Department carefully organized and implemented plans to make sure the normal and timing operation of the new building. Publicize the latest developments of SIPO's automation construction, making brochures, PowerPoint presentations, CD-ROMs. Establish a new division on project management and finish the setup of personnel. Maintain the normal operation of the current systems, providing firm technical safeguard for patent examination.