[1][2] Compiled in English by editorial staff, the database provides a short abstract detailing the nature and use of the invention described in a patent and is indexed into alphanumeric technology categories to allow retrieval of relevant patent documents by users.
[3] From 2008, the number format of the Basic Patent Identifier (the Accession Number) changed,[4] to allow up to 3.6 million records per year to be added, as the previous format only allowed a maximum of 1 million new records a year.
The database is produced by information provider Clarivate Analytics, previously part of Thomson Reuters.
The classification system contains subdivisions related to chemical, electrical and mechanical engineering subject matter.
[5] Derwent indexers add standardized 4-letter codes to DWPI records to represent certain patent-holding companies.