The future of PATLIB centres in a globalized patent world

The article focuses on the continuing requirement for patent libraries to adapt to the changing global environment in patent information. The drivers of these changes are outlined, including the ever-increasing inputs to, and publications of, the intellectual property offices, especially those in East Asia, allied to the changed priorities of SME users of patent information, from relatively basic information to more sophisticated searches and advice in the business-related environment. The author then reports the current views of the European PATLIB network on their future priorities for services such as database searches, training of IP users, technology transfer advice, and networking with partners who can provide complementary services. Some initiatives within the EPO's policy for cooperation with member states are outlined, such as raising awareness and use of the patent system, patent information, and the exploitation of IP rights, especially amongst educational organisations and institutes and SMEs. The author accordingly argues that it is only through such adaptation that PATLIB centres will be able to provide higher quality, customer-related, added value services in support of innovation that are needed by users.