this problem. It divides technology into eight main sections. There are approximately 64,000 subdivisions. The appropriate symbol is indicated on each published patent application and granted patent. The appropriate classification symbol is allotted by the national patent office that publishes the patent document. The Assembly of the IPC meets regularly to adapt the classification to take into account changes in technology. This usually involves the addition of new subdivisions.
14.33.
For the efficiency of search, the EPO has a policy of restricting the size of each separate file of search documents to a maximum of about 200 documents. As this involves creating further subdivisions the EPO has its own classification (ECLA), which is based on the IPC, but is even more detailed. ECLA has over 100,000 subdivisions.
14.34.
The US has a different classification system. The existence of different classification systems leads to some inconvenience, but neither the EPO nor the US is likely to adopt the other's system. The inconvenience is reduced to some extent due to the existence of a computerised system which indicates the equivalent subdivision in each of these classification systems.
International Organisations
14.35.
Certain international organisations administer intellectual property treaties. As far as patents are concerned, there are two organizations of particular interest to Hong Kong.
The World Intellectual Property Organization
14.36.
The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, is responsible for the promotion of the protection of intellectual property and for administering conventions, including the Paris Convention and the PCT. The United Kingdom is a member of WIPO, and has extended the WIPO Convention to Hong Kong with effect from 26 April 1970.
14.37.
To fulfil its charter, WIPO gives technical assistance to developing countries, collects and disseminates information, and encourages the transfer of technology, including know-how, from highly industrialized to developing countries.
14.38.
WIPO also provides training for government and non government personnel, such as businessmen, lawyers, scientists and researchers. These are trained on the use of the intellectual property systems to stimulate inventive activities and research and development.
The European Patent Office
14.39.
The European Patent Office (EPO) was established by the European Patent Convention. The EPC is a 'special agreement' under the PCT, which allows the EPO to be a receiving office under the PCT. The EPO receives applications for European patents, searches and examines the patent applications, and grants or refuses patents. It also issues guidelines and decisions on matters of procedure and patentability.
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