Flow of patent information on world-wide basis, particularly from the view point of its technological significance, is reviewed. Though prompt availability is valued high, it is necessary to grasp the overall structure and characteristics of patent information flow by country, in terms of the quantity, qualitative content, and speed of publication. Mentioning recent changes in PCT, EPC and UK patent publication systems, the structure of world patent information flow is analyzed, and the most effective way of getting patent information in Japan is suggested.
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