: Schmoch, U.

Abstract
Patent literature is a central part of technical information, the value of which is not sufficiently perceived by trade and industry. Patent documents are quite detailed and application oriented, the cover even very specialized products and processes, and are therefore adapted to the needs of small and medium sized enterprises in a particular way. Nevertheless, it is not sufficient to inform the public of the advantages of patent literature without offering a concrete service. For this purpose, a userfriendly information service comprising technical information searches and statistical analyses was developed in a pilot project. By systematic public relations activities, a lot of small and medium sized enterprises even in poorly structured regions could be reached, thus effectively supporting their R and D activities. Because of the great success of the pilot project and a lively response of companies and industrial associations, a supraregional distribution of the concept in the whole Federal Republic was started.