For the publication and patent number, different number format applies depending on the patent-granting authorities, but for the IPsurvey databases the following standardised publication format is used
| CCnn..nnn.K(k) | CA2142643.A1 | |
CC | Is the country code | Read more about country specific number formats when adding references to IPsurvey. |
nn..nnn | Serial number. May be up to 15 digits. The first n may be a letter. | |
K(K) | Optional kind code. May be 1 or 2 characters. |
In general the publication number is typed without spaces and with or without the kind code (optional). A dot is separating the patent number and kind code.