What types of technical information are classified in the CPC system?

The CPC system classifies two main types of technical information found in patent documents:

1. Invention Information: This is mandatory to classify and represents an addition to the state of the art. The MPEP defines it as:

“Invention information is technical information in the total disclosure of a patent document (for example, description, drawings, claims) that represents an addition to the state of the art.”

2. Additional Information: This is discretionary and includes non-trivial technical information that doesn’t represent an addition to the state of the art but might be useful for searchers.

The MPEP states:

“Additional information is non-trivial technical information which does not in itself represent an addition to the state of the art but might constitute useful information for the searcher.”

Both types of information contribute to the overall classification picture of a patent application, ensuring comprehensive and accurate classification for search and retrieval purposes.

To learn more:

• CPC classification
• invention information
• additional information
• technical information