Time flies.  September 19, 2003 is sure to be a special day in the Chinese Patent history.  On that day, CPIC had experienced 10 years' development and celebrated its 10th anniversary.   The heads of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) give positive comments to the achievements reached by CPIC in the last ten years.  This special day has recalled the development process of China Patent Information Service.

In 1983, Mr. Huang Kunyi, the former Commissioner of China Patent Office decided to establish system department in the patent office.  The function of this department is to prepare and develop the office's automation work.  Due to the difficulties of obtaining internal finance, the office utilized China-Germany and China-Japan patent cooperation program reached an agreement for computer facilities' acquirement.  The following-up training and staff recruitment were also initiated accordingly.

In 1987, the computer center was basically finished with necessary facilities and proper staffs.  Chinese Patent Office established Automation Department.  After 3 years' efforts, 3 application systems supporting patent practice were developed: China Patent Management System (CPMS), China Patent Search System in abstract (CPRS) and Foreign Patent Search System in abstract (WPI).  In 1990, all the 3 systems were put into use.  Until presently, CPMS and CPRS are still functioning.

With the increase of demand for patent automation, the former Automation Department formulated the project -- "Establishing Chinese Patent Information System With German Governmental Loan".  After enormous communications and consultations, those relevant staffs made abundant argumentation and preparation, which created the necessary conditions for the implementation of the project. 

In 1993, the demand for patent information had increased sharply.  In accordance with the national policy for developing the third industry especially information industry, the heads of the office made a far-sight decision.  The former automation department was adapted into present CPIC.  This has not only ensured the internal construction but also took into consideration of the market demand.

In the last 10 years, CPIC has made its contributions to the patent informationization of both SIPO and the country.  Its works include: operational maintenance of internal information system, development and updating application system, data process, flow management and etc.  In the process of constructing national patent information network, the staffs of CPIC participated in the work of establishing each network locating in local provinces and municipalities.  Its CD-ROM products (Chinese and English) are used by SIPO for bilateral exchange, which has disseminated Chinese patent information to the world through its foreign partners.  At present, the center owns more than 140 technical staffs qualified with various expertise and forms a complete working-flow process.

"This is a ten-year development with hardship and gloria" said the Director General of CPIC.  CPIC is confident and with resolve that it shall make greater achievements in the market service and gain its status among its international partners.  The ultimate goal of disseminating Chinese patent information to the world will be achieved finally.

2004-02-10

2004-02-10