Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper puts forward a new methodology to characterize and compare the examination practice of patent offices. The methodology codifies public information into a typology of chronological key examiner actions. This approach translates into a quantitative characterization of search completeness (i.e. classification and citation practices), certainty, speed and stringency, or grant rate. The methodology is tested on a sample of 100 random families of a non-controversial field, comprising EPO, JPO and USPTO members. The results show profound differences across offices in respect to search completeness, certainty and speed, and indicate heterogeneous levels of stringency.
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