The year of 2004 was a crucial year in implementing the IT construction of the15th five-year plan. Several important programs were from construction, promotion to full implementation, from testing environment to manufacturing system.

1. Chinese Patent Management System (CPMS III)

One main system and 10 sub-systems were put into operation in March, becoming an actual production system. Preliminary testing was finished in July. System maintenance was transferred as planned. The main focuses of the future work are still system stability and operational speed.

2. E-Filing System

Formally operational on March 12. By November 30, 558 users registered, 3,823 applications received.

March 12, the Office held the launching ceremony of the patent application electronic filing system.  With Deputy Commissioner's Tian Lipu's click at the ceremony, the first electronic patent application is received successfully.

3. Examination Assistant System

Before July, mid-phase testing. August, promotion in entire office. Preliminary check to be finished before 2005.

4. E-Document System

Graphic document system, PCT priority documents-entry application developed in October. XML digital document system, system development and testing finished in the early of the year. Over 3,000 e-filing documents in XML digits and relevant documents collected.

5. Search System and Database Construction

The project of the processing of code data continued to codify published Chinese patent documents. The processing covered all data in 2004 as planned. The first phase of the Industrial Design Search System was finished (key words searchable), data upgrade and maintained. Conducted research on current situation of searching technology for graphic elements before the start of the second phase. Traditional Chinese Medicine Database, Western Medicine Database, Sino-France Cooperation Program, Data-Cutting of Design Graphics Program and Pharmaceutical Abstract Database were implemented smoothly.

6. National Patent Information Service Platform

After the development basically finished in March and April, the SIPO, Guangdong and Nanhai Office system was installed. In April, working plan for program testing and pilot operation were determined. In July, joint testing in three locations was started. In August, the platform trial operation was started. In November, preliminary checking of the system was checked. Currently, some function modules and codes were checked consistency. The final check and promotion is expected to finish in 2005.

7. Storage Integration, Storage Expansion and Construction of Live Backup of Important System

The storage integration project had finished all back stage storage transfer of all application systems and the switch of fiber circuit. The construction of storage expansion and construction of live backup of important system had begun. All application systems ran smoothly. After the finish of the project, the storage capability on hard disk would be 38TB.

8. Other Projects

Tele-interview system, helpdesk project, call center project, fee-collection system upgrade, online check of the China patent law status, CA network management system were all going on as planned. With the changes of office locations, the expansion of network system, in respect of standardization, the Office compiled the Collection of IP Professions in the People's Republic of China (Volume I).

9. International Communication and Cooperation in IT area

Participated in WIPO Standing Committee on Information Technology (SCIT) Meeting. Organized projects of the SIPO-JPO-KIPO JEGA meeting. Initiated Esp@cenet project, established connection with EPO and submitted the first batch of tested data. Organized relevant departments to devise the technical solutions for receiving, producing electronic priority documents and had it implemented. Attended EPO Far East Patent Information Forum, WIPO Asia Pacific Patent Information and Automation meeting and other international communication.