JPO Conducted JPO/IPR Operational Patent Examination Training Program (OPET)

The JPO/IPR Operational Patent Examination Training Program (OPET) was held in a hybrid format, meaning online and by inviting trainees, from October 20 to December 15, 2022. A total of 21 participants from 12 countries and 1 organization completed the course, which was designed for patent examiners responsible for the technical fields of chemistry or machinery, within IP offices.

This course was designed to foster knowledge on the part of examiners with leadership positions in specific technical fields. Lectures and exercises on patent examination practice, including reading descriptions, prior art searches, and determining patentability, were conducted in line with the patent examination flow. In addition, participants deepened their understanding of the practice of preparing International Search Reports (ISRs).

Trainee comments regarding the course included the following:

"I acquired detailed knowledge of JPO's inventive steps and assessment methods, and gained deep understanding on chemical formula search strategies, and efficient techniques for utilizing search engines."

"The lecture on utilizing FI/F term for document classification was unique. Our current search system (IPC and CPC) is based more on key words and dates than document classification. I would like to introduce FI/F term classification at our office, which is quicker and more efficient for doing refined document searches than the IPC or CPC."

Completion ceremony

[Last updated 22 December 2023]

Contact Us

Developing Country Cooperation Section International Cooperation Division Japan Patent Office E-mail：PA0870@jpo.go.jp