Patent information plays a key role for corporations and all the institutions involved in technological activities. But patent information is a very "labile" resource and requires a very professional approach based on sound management for being handled properly and used efficiently. This article...

The problems facing the EPO in searching its huge documentation are discussed and the new approach being adopted to apply automation to the search are outlined. Arising from this automation, new possibilities will emerge for the improvement of dissemination of patent information.