SCIT.ATR.PI.2005.MD

Annual Technical Report 2005 on Patent Information Activities submitted by Republic of Moldova (SCIT/ATR/PI/2005/MD)

Where URLs are requested below, it is preferred that either URLs which are likely to remain stable over time (three years or more) are provided, or home (main) page URLs are provided with a short explanation of how to access the corresponding information.

The term "patent" covers utility models and Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs). Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in their Annual Technical Reports on Industrial Design Information Activities.

I. Evolution of patent activities

Changes experienced in terms of application filings and grants with respect to the previous year

Filing: patent applications- 388 (303 in 2004, increase of 27,3%)
utility model applications – 32 (21 in 2004, increase of 47,6%)
Granting: patents – 283 (322 in 2004, decrease of 12,1%)
utility model certificates – 16 (23 in 2004, decrease of 30,4%)

Trends or areas experiencing rapid changes with respect to the previous year

It is maintained the stable trend of increasing of applications filing and patent granting, the highest level being noted in the fields of health, chemistry and industrial techniques. It has been also noted a trend of increasing in the seeking of protection by utility models.

II. Matters concerning the generation, reproduction, distribution and use of primary and secondary sources of patent information

Publishing, printing, copying (main types of publications of the office in the field of patent information, etc.)

1) Paper
Patent applications:
The front page containing bibliographic data, the abstract and the drawings are printed. The added specifications are reproduced.
Patents:
The front page and the specification are printed, the incorporated drawings being scanned.
2) CD-ROM
- CD-ROM „Inventions of the Republic of Moldova 1963-1992” containing bibliographic data for patent applications and patents
- CD-ROM „Inventions of the Republic of Moldova, 1993-2005”, containing bibliographic data and abstracts in 3 languages (Romanian, English and Russian) for patent applications; bibliographic data, abstracts and specifications for patents. This CD-ROM is renewed annually by adding the data for the last year.
- CISPATENT – in conjunction with the IP Offices of several CIS countries (AM, BY,GE, RU, TJ, UZ, UA) and of the EAPO is issued this CD-ROM containing bibliographic data and abstracts in Romanian, English and Russian for patent applications and bibliographic data, abstracts in 3 languages and specifications in the original language for patents. The CD-ROM is issued on a monthly basis; there is also a yearly issue.
3) Official Bulletin on Industrial Property (BOPI)
Bibliographic data and abstracts in Romanian, English, Russian and official notices are published in this official monthly newspaper. The Bulletin appears on paper form and on the AGEPI website in PDF format: www.agepi.md/PDF/bopi. From September 2005 BOPI is also published and distributed on CD-ROM, on a monthly basis.
4) On-line database
Bibliographic data and abstracts relating to MD patent applications and granted patents are available through the database “Inventions” on the office website: www.db.agepi.md. It is a free Internet service. For patents is also published the specifications and drawings. From 2006 it is foreseen to publish the legal status information related to patent applications and patents.

Main types of announcements of the Office in the field of patent information

Announcements, notices and changes in the legal status or the patenting procedure are published in the Official Bulletin on Industrial Property (BOPI).
The most important office notices regarding patents and other IP rights are put directly on the AGEPI website (www.agepi.md) for different kinds of users (applicants/owners, patent agents etc).

Mass storage media used (paper, microforms, optical storage, etc.)

AGEPI has a complete classified paper collection of MD patent documents. The full data relating to MD patent documents, excepting the drawings for non-published patent applications, are stored in the internal databases.
AGEPI has a CD/DVD-ROM collection containing published/granted US, FR, DE, CH, RU, WO, EP patent documents.
See also “Publishing, printing, copying etc.”, item II, p.2).

Word processing and office automation

The Patent Office uses Microsoft Office XP or Microsoft Office 2000 which provides an integrated and extensive network of applications that are available to all staff. All staff has their own personal workstation on which numerous applications are available. Word processing can be carried out using Microsoft Word 2000/XP; search tools including access to online databases, translation software, management and administration information etc. There is also a corporate database (Inventions) and automated production of search and examination reports.
All staff has access to the Internet and has their own e-mail and official e-mail address.

III. Matters concerning abstracting, classifying, reclassifying and indexing of technical information contained in patent documents

Abstracting, reviewing, translating

The office translate the titles and abstracts into English and review the titles and abstracts provided by the applicant (in Romanian and Russian) and, if necessary, amend them accordingly to WIPO standard ST.12/A in order to ensure that the abstract contain the necessary information to be a useful search tool. The abstracts are published for patent applications and granted patens in 3 languages.

Classification and reclassification activities; Classification system used, e.g., International Patent Classification (IPC), other classification (please indicate whether or not patent documents are classified by your Office and, if so, which classification is used)

AGEPI classifies patent documents using the IPC edition in force in 2005 (7th edition).
From November 2005, the AGEPI uses the revised WIPO standard ST.8 and applies the advanced level symbols of the 8th IPC edition to all patent documents to be published after 1 January 2006.
In the second half–year 2005 AGEPI has begun the reclassification of MD patent documents according to the 8th IPC edition; it is foreseen to achieve this work by the end of 2006 year.
From January 1, 2006 AGEPI will use the advanced level of the IPC.

Hybrid system indexing

The hybrid system indexing is used as a feature of the IPC.

Bibliographic data and full-text processing for search purposes

AGEPI maintains an electronic search file for all MD patent documents, which are searchable using bibliographic data, classification symbols and the keyword contained in titles and abstracts.

IV. Search file establishment and upkeep

File building

File building of paper search files classified under the IPC and of the CD/DVD-ROM collections classified under years and countries are centralized at the office library. The patent documents and author certificates of the former URSS from 1924 up to 1992 are stored within National Technical Scientific Library (NTSL).
All MD patent documents are electronically stored and searchable for internal use; all published MD patent applications and patents are electronically searchable for external use.

Updating

Paper and some CD/DVD-ROM search files are updated monthly, several CD-DVD/ROM search files are updated yearly. Electronically searchable files for internal use are updated permanently depending of filings; electronically searchable files for external use are updated monthly.

Storage, including mass storage media

See „File building” above

Documentation from other offices maintained and/or considered part of the available search file

Patent collections from other offices are available by online search techniques; there is an electronic access to 39 databases in the field of patents.

V. Activities in the field of computerized and other mechanized search systems

In-house systems (online/offline)

The management of the patent applications is based on the “Patents” search database developed by the AGEPI skilled persons. This database is used in conducting the examining procedure, the publication and dissemination of information.
The AGEPI “Inventions” database, which is an opened to the public search database, can be used by examiners and other interested persons for electronic search through the MD published patent applications and granted patents. See also “Publishing, printing, copying etc.”, item II, p.4).

External databases

- VINITI (patent associated literature- bibliographic data), managing by the VINITI Institute of the Russian Federation (www.vinini.ru);
- eapatis, managing by EAPO
- esp@cenet
- and other specialized chemical, biotech, electrical and other databases.

See also “Documentation from other office maintained and/or considered part of the available search file”.

Administrative management systems (e.g., register, legal status, statistics, administrative support, etc.)

Register and legal status information is available through the internal database. The system also provides statistical information and management reports.
From 2006 Year it is foreseen to provide the legal status information through the opened to the public “Inventions” database.

Equipment used (hardware, including the types of terminal and network used, and software), carriers used

The Electronic Information System of AGEPI:
HARDWARE
- 7 servers in a ActiveDirectory Domain
-26 Pentium III and IV, 128-512 RAM, 40-80 Gb HDD
-1 network printer;
-2 scanners;
-INTERNET/INTRANET Subsystem. Using 256 Kb/s ADSL line. The INTERNET/INTRANET Subsystem comprises a mail-server, a database server, a fire-wall and FTP service. Computer Network: 100 MB Server Network 1Gb

SOFTWARE
-Microsoft Windows 2003 operating system for Intel/Xeon servers;
-Linux operating system for the Server of the INTERNET/INTRANET database;
-Data base server Interbase V.7.5
-Windows 2000/XP Professional for client PCs;
-Microsoft Office for client PCs;
- Microsoft Internet Explorer for INTERNET/INTRANET;
-Software specific to the CD-ROM collections namely Mimosa, Eapatis, etc.
Administration of the Patent Collection and of the Services Rendered to the Public (for applications, assistance on search, ways and means of getting the official publications and of gaining access to records/statistics).

The internal network uses a client-server arrangement on an Ethernet LAN running Microsoft Active Directory Domain. The platform used by the Patents Department uses a database server, for Interbase applications. Client PCs are used by all staff and are Pentium III or Pentium IV machines with a mixture of 15"/17" CRT or 15” LCD screens. Client PCs operating systems Microsoft Windows 2000/XP. Mimosa and Diapat are software specific of the CD-ROM collections.

VI. Administration of the industrial property office library and services available to the public (relating to facilities, e.g., for lodging applications, for assisting clients on searching procedures, for obtaining official publications and registry extracts)

The office library functions simultaneously as an in-house and public library.

The library specialists are available to assist the public in all aspects of their work with catalogues, CD-ROMs, books, etc. The AGEPI Library is available to the public during 5 days (except Saturday and Sunday) from 9:00 to 16:00.

Collecting, acquisitions, preparation

The main information sources of the Patent Collection are the official publications of the AGEPI, patent documentation and patent associated literature received through international exchange with Patent Offices worldwide and other information centers, purchase or subscription. All the received documents are registered, classified and grouped for storage purpose.

In 2005, the Library collection included 2848913 of paper and e-documents.
In 2005 the total number of acquisitions made through bilateral exchange, subscription, publication etc., was 2843983 documents on electronic support, 722 official bulletins, 1173 books, 1213 periodicals, 1498 AGEPI publications and 324 other documents.
At presents the digital library is made up of 31 textual database (full text) and 16 reference and bibliographical database. During 2005 12 new database (BD) was received by Library of AGEPI. The database “ESPACE-PRECES was completed with retrospective documents of the years 1993-1998.

Collection management, preservation

The Library collection is arranged along geographical-systematic-numerical lines. The conditions for storing collections correspond to the types of information carriers used:
- patent documentation on paper is stored in cassettes on shelves;
- on CD-ROM – in catalog racks;
- in automated databases.

The Library Soft “IRBIS”, for acquisition processes automation, formation of electronic catalogue “Books” and library administration, is implemented in the AGEPI Library.

Interlibrary lending, resource sharing, networks of patent libraries in the country

The AGEPI exchanges documents with the National Library and the National Technological-Scientific Library, which have a complete collection of the official bulletins and relevant literature in the field published by the AGEPI; the Agency also exchanges documents with other national offices and regional organizations.

The AGEPI Library cooperates intensively with 56 territorial Libraries to which the patent information and other literature in the field is furnished regularly for further dissemination in the territory.

In 2005, the AGEPI Library offered to the public Libraries methodical assistance concerning the organization and utilization of IP document collections, by organizing events for promoting the library services, including the national seminars ”The Public Library and the Intellectual Property” and ”The Public Library and Copyright”, and the competition ”Public Library-A Partner in the promotion of Intellectual Property”, in which 52 libraries took part.

Information services available to the public (including computerized services and search files contained in libraries remote from your Office and patent information posted by your Office on the World Wide Web)

The AGEPI Library has a general reading room and a specialized PC room. Anyone may find there patent documentation, access the CD-ROM databases and be provided with information-bibliography services, such as thematic selection of patent documentation, search for patent families, search in automated databases, etc. are on offer to the public.

Visits to the patent Library and services offered to all categories of readers are free of charge.

The Library also provides, by payment, such services as copying the documents from CD-ROM / DVD-ROM and INTERNET on paper or on CD - ROM (in 2005 – 2715 pages and 120 documents on diskettes), copying the documents from the Library paper Collection; selling the AGEPI editions.

In 2005 the AGEPI Library registerd: readers - 669; visits – 5450; borrowed documents – 52700.
During the year 2005, the AGEPI has rendered to the beneficiaries over 324 consultations on patent documentation tools.

Information about the new acquisitions in the library collection is systematically offered on the AGEPI web site. The information provided on the AGEPI web site www.agepi.md – covers all general topics concerning patents (national and international legislation, preparation of application, office procedures, application forms).

VII. Matters concerning mutual exchange of patent documentation and information

International or regional cooperation in the exchange of machine-readable information, e.g., bibliographic data, abstract and/or full text information

AGEPI provides monthly bibliographic data and abstracts on published patent application and granted patents to EPO (EPIDOS). AGEPI furnished the MD patent documents and the official gazette (BOPI) on CD-ROM to 41 IP Offices.
AGEPI receives patent documentation and information from 28 countries and 2 regional patent organizations (EPO and EAPO).

VIII. Other relevant matters concerning education and training in, and promotion of, the use of patent information, including technical assistance to developing countries

During the year 2005, the AGEPI organized on industrial property protection matters 24 national seminars, including 7 national seminars with international participation and 17 thematic reunions organized in the Republic of Moldova.

The AGEPI staff participated in 82 international events such as trainings, meetings, seminars, symposia, consultations, official visits etc., among which the most relevant are:

- Study tour to the National Institute of Industrial Property of France (INPI) and to the National Institute of Appellations of Origin (INAO), within the project “Strengthening the legislative framework and enhancing the enforcement of industrial property protection legislation in Moldova”;
- The 41st session of the UPOV Technical Committee, the 51st and the 52nd sessions of the UPOV Administrative and Legal Committee, the 69th and the 70th session of the UPOV Consultative Committee, the 28th session and the 39th ordinary session of the UPOV Council; the UPOV meeting on Enforcement of Plant Breeder’s rights;
- The 7th session of the Working Group on Reform of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT);
- The 11th session of the Standing Committee on the Law on Patents (SCP);
- The WIPO Ad hoc Intergovernmental Meeting on Genetic Resources and Disclosure Requirements;
- The 8th session of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore;
- The 13th and 14 th sessions of the IPC Revision Working Group;
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Visiting Scholars Program;
- The 8th International Scientific-Practical Conference „Actual Issues of Industrial Property”, organized by the State Department of Intellectual Property of Ukraine, Ministry of Education of Autonomous Republic of Krim, WIPO and CIPR;
- The two exchanges of experience within OSIM, Romania in the field of examination of patent applications and harmonization of the national legislation with the European Community Standards and in the field of examination of patent applications in the field of plant varieties;
- National Symposia “Protection of inventions and designs in Romania”, organized by OSIM in cooperation with the University “Lucian Blaga” of Sibiu, Romania, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Sibiu and the National Association for Industrial Property Protection (ANPPI) of Romania;

During the year 2005, the Office participated in 25 national and international exhibitions and granted logistical and financial assistance for the participation of Moldovan inventors in 7 international exhibitions.

More than 100 articles, communications, interviews, reports were delivered to the republican mass-media and 4 press conferences were organized on the occasion of the most important IP events.

IX. Other relevant matters