One of the key tools for Japanese patent classification searching is the F-Term thesaurus. Effective May 2025, an updated F-term thesaurus is now available in INPADOCDB and INPAFAMDB, as well as in JPFULL, the Japanese Full Text Patents database on STN. An updated F-term thesaurus was also recently launched in Derwent World Patents Index (WPINDEX/WPIDS/WPIX). The new version of the F-Term thesaurus includes 380,000 F-terms and will be found in the /FTRM field (aliases for /FTRM include /FTERM and /JPCLA). Annual updates to the thesaurus are expected.
To find the meaning of an F-Term, as well as broader, narrower, and related F-terms, EXPAND in the F-term field:
=> e 4F100/DC11+all/FTRM
E1 212778 BT2 4F100/FTRM
Laminated bodies (2)
RFI B32B1/00-43/00
E2 360 BT1 4F100/DC00/FTRM
SHAPES OR STRUCTURES OF DISCONTINUOUS LAYERS
RFI B32B1/00-43/00
E3 6419 --> 4F100/DC11/FTRM
Perforated layers or netlike layers
RFI B32B1/00-43/00
E4 467 NT1 4F100/DC12/FTRM
Long holes
RFI B32B1/00-43/00
E5 1286 NT1 4F100/DC13/FTRM
Slits or cut lines
RFI B32B1/00-43/00
E6 296 NT1 4F100/DC14/FTRM
Holes of patterned shapes
RFI B32B1/00-43/00
...
For more information about the F-Term thesaurus implementations in these databases, refer to the HELP RCODE and HELP THESAURUS messages within each of the files, and to the F-Term Thesaurus section of their Database Summary Sheets.