How can patent examiners update the classification of foreign patents?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

Patent examiners can update the classification of foreign patents by following these steps, as outlined in MPEP 903.03:

If the examiner desires to update the USPC classification of a foreign patent by changing, canceling, or adding copies, they should forward the patent (or bibliographic information) to their supervisory patent classifier with a request for the desired transaction attached.

This process allows examiners to:

  • Change the existing classification
  • Cancel a classification
  • Add new classifications

By updating classifications, examiners help maintain an accurate and up-to-date patent classification system, which is crucial for effective prior art searches and patent examination.

Tags: Foreign Patents, Patent Classification, Patent Examiner, Uspc, USPTO