What is WIPO Standard ST.16, and what is it used for?
WIPO Standard ST.16 (WIPO ST.16) is a standard from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It regulates document codes ("kind codes") for patent documents. The standard specifies which letter and number codes should be used to identify the type of patent publication a document is, for example:
- first published application
- granted patent
- amended text
The number in the code indicates the publication level, for example, first publication (often "1"), second or later publication (often "2", "3", etc.) or corrected publication (often "9").
The purpose of the standard is to harmonize and standardize the use of document codes across patent authorities. This makes it easier to identify, cite, and retrieve patent documents in a consistent manner internationally.
What are we changing?
We are replacing some existing codes and adding new ones to follow internationally standardized practices. This will contribute to:
- increased consistency in document classification
- better interoperability with international patent databases
- easier search and analysis for users and partners
What does this mean for users?
1. More precise document types
When searching patent databases, it becomes easier to distinguish between:
- published applications (A1) and granted patents (B1, B2, B3)
- corrected documents (A9/B9), providing a better overview and reducing the risk of errors in analyses
- EP patent valid in Norway (T3, T4, T9 corrected translation), where T codes replace the previous use of B codes
2. Better international compatibility
When the type codes follow WIPO ST.16, it becomes easier to:
- integrate data with global systems (for example, EPO and WIPO)
- use automated tools for search and statistics without manual adjustments
3. Simplified legal and commercial assessment
Lawyers, IP advisors, and companies get a quicker overview of document status. It becomes easier to see if the document is:
- an application
- a granted patent
- a correction
This means less time spent interpreting local codes.
4. Possible transition challenges
The transition may involve that:
- users need to update internal routines and systems that previously used old codes
- historical data may require mapping between old and new codes
Overview of changed and new document codes
New document codes are marked with *
| Kind code | Description |
| A1 | Published patent application open for public inspection |
| A9* | Corrected publication of patent application, any part |
| B1 | Patent specification |
| B2 | Patent specification following an opposition |
| B3 | Patent specification amended following an administrative procedure |
| B4* | EP patent amended following a national procedure |
| B9* | A corrected patent specification of any kind |
| T3* | Translation of an EP patent valid in Norway, claims + any part |
| T4* | Translation of an amended EP patent valid in Norway, claims + any part |
| T9* | Translation of corrected EP patent valid in Norway, any part |
The change takes effect on January 1, 2026 and applies to all new publications from this date. If you want to read more about WIPO ST.16 and the new codes, you can see WIPO's website about standards.
