Which types of patents still use the USPC classification system?
According to MPEP 903, the United States Patent Classification (USPC) system is still used for specific types of patents:
“Only design and plant applications/patents and plant application publications receive classification designations under USPC.”
This means that while utility patents have transitioned to the CPC system, design patents and plant patents continue to be classified using the USPC system. This distinction is important for patent searchers and examiners working with these specific types of patents.
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