What is the CPC classification system and how is it structured?

The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system is a hierarchical arrangement of subject matter used for organizing and classifying patent documents. According to MPEP 905.01, the CPC structure consists of:

• Sections: The highest level, designated by capital letters A through H and Y.
• Classes: Subdivisions of sections, identified by a section letter followed by a two-digit number.
• Subclasses: Further subdivisions, adding a letter to the class symbol.
• Groups: Main groups and subgroups within subclasses.

The MPEP states: “Each part of this hierarchical structure is identified by classification symbols. Specifics about each element of the classification symbol are described below.”

To learn more:

• CPC
• patent classification
• hierarchical structure
• sections
• classes
• subclasses
• groups