What are the types of guidance headings in CPC schemes?

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 Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) scheme utilizes various types of guidance headings to organize patent information. According to MPEP 905.01(a)(4), there are three main types of guidance headings:

1. Common Subject Matter Indicators: “When a large part of a subclass relates to a common subject matter, a guidance heading indicating that subject matter may be provided at the beginning of that part.”
2. Titleless Group Headings: These are used “As a title, without any associated symbol, of subject matter preceding several main groups.”
3. Multi-Group Descriptors: Headings used “To describe common subject matter of several main groups.”

These different types of guidance headings help create a hierarchical structure within the CPC scheme, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the classification system.