Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27
This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.
The International Patent Classification (IPC) is structured hierarchically, consisting of the following levels:
- Sections: Designated by capital letters A through H, representing broad fields of technology.
- Classes: Each section is divided into classes, represented by a two-digit number following the section letter.
- Subclasses: Classes are further divided into subclasses, represented by a capital letter following the class symbol.
- Groups: Subclasses are broken down into main groups and subgroups, represented by numbers separated by an oblique stroke.
For example, a complete classification symbol might look like “A 01 B 1/00” where:
- A: Section (Human Necessities)
- 01: Class
- B: Subclass
- 1/00: Main group