How are genus and species handled in CPC classification?

The handling of genus and species in CPC classification depends on the level of disclosure:

• For generic disclosures or nominally disclosed species: Classify in the generic (genus) classification place.
• For fully enabled species disclosures: Classify in the individual species classification places.

As stated in MPEP 905.03(b): “(a) In the case where an invention is generically disclosed classification is made to the classification place covering the generic invention. Even in cases where species are nominally disclosed, such as by name only, classification is still made to the generic classification place. (b) In the case where fully enabled species are disclosed, classification is required in the classification places covering the individual species.“

This approach ensures that inventions are classified at the appropriate level of specificity based on the detail provided in the disclosure.

To learn more:

• CPC classification
• genus-species relationship
• patent classification
• invention disclosure