Searcher’s little helper – ICO index terms

No matter whether the search interest is in catalysts or catheters, albumins or zeolites, ICO (“In Computer Only”) index terms developed at the EPO since the mid 1980s can definitely be of help. The purpose of this paper is to get the interested search professional more acquainted with ICOs, and the logic behind them will be briefly explained. Examples from the field of homogeneous catalysis (B01J31) and batteries and fuel cells (H01M) will be presented in this context, as well as a selection of suitable commercial databases that include ICO codes.

► Explanation of the EPO’s ICO index terms.
► Availability of ICO terms outside the EPO.
► Examples of the use of ICO terms in the fields of catalysts, batteries and fuel cells