For many years, the IP5 Offices have been exchanging patent data for the mutual benefit of their offices as well as the general public. These free exchanges of data (bibliographic information, text data and document images) are based on bilateral or multilateral agreements between the offices involved in the exchange.
In June 2013, the Heads of the IP5 Offices agreed on a common policy with regards to the use of the information exchanged in this way. The IP5 Patent Information Policy aims at improving the availability of patent information, supporting users of worldwide patent information and minimising the obstacles to accessing patent information.