What are Notes in CPC schemes and how are they applied?

Notes in CPC schemes provide supplementary information and instructions for classification. According to MPEP 905.01(a)(2):

“Notes are supplementary statements that follow a CPC class, subclass, main group, or subgroup title. Instruction in a ‘Note’ is applied only to the CPC place where it appears, including all its hierarchically lower places.”

Key points about Notes in CPC schemes:

• They apply to the classification place where they appear and all hierarchically lower places.
• Notes can explain the scope, define terminology, or indicate specific classification rules.
• The application of a Note depends on its location (e.g., class, subclass, main group, or subgroup).

Understanding Notes is crucial for patent examiners, attorneys, and inventors to correctly interpret and apply CPC classifications.

To learn more:

• CPC Notes
• classification instructions
• patent classification rules
• CPC scheme