What is the difference between application and functional classification places in CPC?

Application and functional classification places in CPC differ in their focus:

• Application classification places: Cover specific uses or adaptations of an invention.
• Functional classification places: Cover generic uses or the general function of an invention.

As explained in MPEP 905.03(b): “In general, classification is made in the application classification place when application specific adaptations are disclosed. For example, a pump specially adapted to replace a heart is classified in A61M 1/10, whereas pumps, in general, without any disclosed special adaptation are classified in F04B, F04C, F04D, or F04F depending on the specific structure of the pump. When uses of inventions are nominally disclosed, classification is generally made in functional classification places.”

The choice between application and functional classification depends on the level of specificity in the disclosed invention.

To learn more:

• CPC classification
• application classification
• functional classification
• patent classification types