This article explains how case reference formats work by default in Equinox.

Equinox can automatically assign new case references to cases generated in the system. Of course, case reference formats vary from firm to firm, so there is tooling available to set your preferred format (and usually Equinox IPMS can still do the automation work for you). Our recommended format, and the format that’s set by default in our template system is:

Example:

Subsequent cases generated within a family append the country code to the case. So, for example: 

• A PCT Patent application claiming priority on the above GB case would get the case reference P12345GBWO

• A national phase case generated from the PCT application would get the case reference P12345GBWOUS 

• For cases such as divisional applications, usually a letter and number are manually appended to the case reference, e.g., P12345GBD1.