On problem areas in training specialists in the field of patent information in the USSR

The article describes the system of patent education set up in the Soviet Union. The specific features of the patent information system available for national economy specialists, which stem from planned nature of the socialist economy, its specialization into branches of industry and distribution of productive forces over the vast territory of the country, are responsible for particular organizational forms of training in the field of patent information. The article stresses the key role of the USSR State Committee for Inventions and Discoveries supervising specialized educational establishments which train and upgrade the expertise of patent specialists for many branches of national economy. It points out the necessity of instructing specialists directly involved in development of novel equipment and technology in fundamental principles of the patent science. Further, an outline of curricula offered for training patent specialists is given. The contents and structure of the 'Patent Information and Documentation' course gives an idea of the advantages of a judicous combination of theory and practical skills in the use of patent information.