PATLIB 2000

'PATLIB 2000 The next generation', an event for patent information in the public sector, will be held in Helsinki from 16 to 18 May 2000.

The patent information network in Finland is new for 2000, and consists of 15 networked centres with live video links country-wide, operating under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

There will be an exhibition with facilities to broadcast important parts of the conference, which will focus on the next generation of patent information centres. 'These are likely to be 'lite' versions of the more traditional libraries', say the conference organisers. Other major topics to be included are:

- Staff qualifications and specialisation;
- Impact of new technologies;
- Outreach programmes;
- Generation of revenue.

The conference will also feature presentations from providers and users of patent information in the commercial and institutional sectors.

There will also be workshops covering:

- Setting up and maintaining Patent Information Centre websites;
- Marketing patent information;
- Organising patent clinics for SMEs;
- Integrated IPR protection;
- Patent and business information.

Both the European Patent Office (EPO) and the National Board of Registration of Finland will organise public training courses and seminars for SMEs and the Internet Age. These public sessions will take place in parallel with the PATLIB 2000 exhibition.
Special sessions for academics and students will also be organised. These will be integrated with academic curricula and with other training courses given at the EPO.

An interview suite will also be available to book for private meetings between exhibitors and their clients.

There will also be a pre-conference training session on 15 May 2000 and post-conference seminars on 19 May 2000. Pre-registration will be required.
For further information, please contact:

European Patent Office
Dr Nigel Clarke
Rennweg 12
A 1031 Wien
Tel. +43-1-52126338; Fax +43-1-521263292
E-mail: clarke@epo.e-mail.com