When did the USPTO switch from USPC to CPC for utility applications?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 4 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 USPTO transitioned from the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) to the Cooperative Patent Classification System (CPC) for utility applications on January 1, 2013. As stated in MPEP 902 : “As of January 1, 2013, the USPTO moved from using the USPC system to the CPC system for classification of pending utility applications.” This change marked a significant shift in how the USPTO classifies and organizes patent documents, aligning more closely with international standards. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 4 rules Collapse Classification Orders Affect Existing Definitions MPEP 902.02 Recommended Examiner Definitions Must Be Updated Periodically MPEP 902.02 Recommended Classification Orders Available Online for USPTO Personnel MPEP 902.02 Classification Home Page Must Be Accessible via Toolkit MPEP 902.02 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can patent examiners access the Classification Home Page? How can I access the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system? What automated search tools are available to patent examiners? How does the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system work? What is the purpose of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system?