European Classification (ECLA) Codes and In Computer Only (ICO) codes are available for the first time in Derwent World Patents Index® (DWPI). Similarly, the US Patent Classifications (USPC) have been updated in DWPI to reflect the latest reclassification information. These enhancements, combined with the existing indexing systems (e.g., DWPI Manual Codes, DWPI deep indexing and IPC codes) available in DWPI, add greater flexibility for enhanced precision and recall in patent searches.

The first ECLA and USPC data was included in update 200813, during the week of February 25, 2008, and all records going forward will contain the current edition of ECLA/ICO and US classification codes. STN, Questel and DWPI data feed customers can now search the new codes, as well as the full backfile. The new codes, including the backfile, will available soon through Dialog.

ECLA and US classification codes are continuously revised and new editions are regularly published. Going forward, DWPI records will be updated on a quarterly basis for reclassifications to ECLA, US Classes and IPCs to ensure the most recent codes are available for searching.

ECLA Classification System
The availability of ECLA codes is new to DWPI. The ECLA classification system is an extension of the International Patent Classification System, and contains 134,000 subdivisions. The current 8th edition of IPC (IPC-R) covers 71,000 groups. EPO patent examiners assign ECLA classifications to facilitate prior art searching.

US Patent Classification System
U.S. Patent Classification codes in DWPI are now updated with any recent changes to classifications made by examiners. Reclassifications made since original USPTO filing have also been added to the DWPI backfile. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uses the US Patent Classifications (USPC) to organize US patent documents into smaller collections based on common subject matter. See the Sales Briefing document for more information.