How is the International Patent Classification (IPC) structured?
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
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