In the light of the changes in the way that patent information is delivered, the way that learning about patent information and related topics occurs is also changing. Accordingly, the EPO has recently developed electronic and distance learning materials on patent information products and related topics to complement the existing classroom training programme. A user survey on their training needs confirmed that these developments are in-line with the users' interests. The first initiative is a series of online self-study modules to help users to make best use of esp@cenet (R). This series of short, interactive modules is targeted at new and occasional users and introduces the basic functionalities of esp@cenet. Secondly, the EPO has initiated a series of virtual classroom seminars with a pilot event in March 2004. In these live, interactive and moderator-guided training sessions participants can ask questions in oral and written form while following the explanations and live searches on their screens. By the end of 2004 more than 270 users had already participated in virtual seminars on various subjects related to patent information. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
