One of the key tools for Japanese patent classification searching is the F-Term thesaurus. STN will make improvements to Japanese patent classification searching in 2025 by making available the latest versions of the F-Term thesaurus, and by adding the F-term thesaurus to other databases which do not currently offer it.
The first step has been to add the latest version of the F-term thesaurus to the Derwent World Patents Index (WPINDEX/WPIDS/WPIX). The 2024 version of the F-Term thesaurus includes 380,000 F-terms, and will be found in the /FTRM field. For more information about the F-Term thesaurus implementation in DWPI, refer to the HELP RCODE and HELP THESAURUS messages, and to the F-Term Thesaurus section of the Database Summary Sheet.
The INPADOCDB, INPAFAMDB, and JPFULL databases currently offer F-Term classifications in their indexing, but not F-term thesaurus support. The addition of an F-Term thesaurus to each database will provide more information about the F-terms, including definitions, and will allow searchers to harness the power of the thesaurus to search for individual F-Terms and their hierarchically narrower terms, related terms, etc.
Watch for additional announcements relevant to the expanded availability of the F-Term thesaurus in STN databases!