PUBLN_FIRST_GRANT?

[nico.rasters]

The variable `publn_first_grant` (in `tls211_pat_publn`) puzzles me a bit.
Could you please verify the following assumptions:

• Not all publications are grants (but all grants are publications).
• Therefore, not all applications that have publications have been granted.
• Codes "450" and "470" are the key to identify the grant date means that "PUBL. TAG ST.30" in Concordance_of_kind_codes_20130206.xls will give us the (publn_auth, publn_kind) pairs that point to a grant.
• Subsequently, pat_publn_id 3177497 instead of 3177498 should have `publn_first_grant`=1 (these are both publications belonging to appln_id 2759225; however, pat_publn_id 3177498 has publn_kind A8 which has code A45... this is based on PATSTAT October 2013).
• When there are multiple "grant" publications belonging to the same application, the one with the earliest date will have `publn_first_grant`=1 (the other will be 0).
• When `publn_auth`="WO", `publn_first_grant` is always 0. This is because an international filing can not be granted.
• When `publn_auth`="EP", `publn_first_grant` is 1 when `publn_kind` is B1, B2, or B3. In other words, a European filing can be granted.

[mkracker]

Hi Nico,

Roughly spoken, most offices publish their patents first as applications and later, if the applications are granted, as granted patents.

I repeat your points and add my responses:

• ● Not all publications are grants (but all grants are publications).
  Correct - see above.

• ● Therefore, not all applications that have publications have been granted.
  Also correct.

• ● Codes "450" and "470" are the key to identify the grant date means that "PUBL. TAG ST.30" in Concordance_of_kind_codes_20130206.xls will give us the (publn_auth, publn_kind) pairs that point to a grant.
  Yes, that is how DOCDB is deriving whether a particular publication has a granting effect or not. Because offices use different codes which also change over time, we have to apply a disclaimer: "Although the EPO has taken great care in analysing the grant information, this process is the result of interpretations and assumptions for which no responsibility whatsoever can be accepted."

• ● Subsequently, pat_publn_id 3177497 instead of 3177498 should have `publn_first_grant`=1 (these are both publications belonging to appln_id 2759225; however, pat_publn_id 3177498 has publn_kind A8 which has code A45... this is based on PATSTAT October 2013).
  I agree - this looks strange. We will follow this up. Thanks for reporting this.

• ● When there are multiple "grant" publications belonging to the same application, the one with the earliest date will have `publn_first_grant`=1 (the other will be 0).
  Yes - this is as described in the Data Catalog.

• ● When `publn_auth`="WO", `publn_first_grant` is always 0. This is because an international filing can not be granted.
  Correct - only national /regional offices grant patents.

• ● When `publn_auth`="EP", `publn_first_grant` is 1 when `publn_kind` is B1, B2, or B3. In other words, a European filing can be granted.
  Yes.

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Martin Kracker, EPO - PATSTAT