This article outlines how to use the parent/child case functionality that is available on the Details tab of a case.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Parent–Child case relationships overview

You can use parent–child case relationships to:

  • Track the origin of a case (e.g., a case may have originated from a PCT application)

  • Update information across related cases within pre-set task components 

  • Create a case family diagram on the Family tab

The right-hand side of the case Details screen includes a list of case codes related to the case you are viewing. These case codes are also links that you can click to view the Details of related cases.

The relationship between the cases is broken down into the following:

  • Parent Case (Original case)

  • Child Cases (Subsequent cases)

The Parent–Child relationship between cases will automatically be recorded if cases are created using the following case tools:

  • Copy Case

  • Generate Madrid

  • Nationalise PCT

  • Validate EP

  • National Rights

  • Member Rights

The original case with be the ‘Parent’ case. Any new cases that are generated using these tools will be ‘Child’ cases.

Manually Add/Remove Case Relationships

You can manually add and remove parent case relationships.

Add a Case Relationship

  1. Open the case that will become the 'Child’ case

  2. Go to the Details tab of the case

  3. Click Add Parent Case in the left-hand menu Options

  4. Type the case code of the ‘Parent’ case 

  5. Click Add 

  6. The relationship will now be visible on the right-hand side of the Details tab for both the Child and Parent case

  7. Equinox will display a message saying 'Successfully added Parent Case' 

Remove a Case Relationship

  1. Open the ‘Child’ case

  2. Go to the Details tab of the case

  3. Click Remove Parent Case in the left-hand menu Options 

  4. The relationship between both cases will be removed and no longer displayed on the right of the case Details tab

  5. Equinox will display a message saying 'Successfully removed Parent Case'