MPEP § 905.01(a)(1) — References within CPC Titles (Annotated Rules)
This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 905.01(a)(1), including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.
References within CPC Titles
This section addresses References within CPC Titles.
Key Rules
Exceptions & Carve-Outs (1)
References are statements enclosed within parentheses in titles. The references point to other classification places that may be of interest. References apply to the classification place they appear and to all hierarchically lower classification places, unless stated otherwise.
Permitted Actions (1)
References are statements enclosed within parentheses in titles. The references point to other classification places that may be of interest. References apply to the classification place they appear and to all hierarchically lower classification places, unless stated otherwise.
Definitions & Scope (1)
References are statements enclosed within parentheses in titles. The references point to other classification places that may be of interest. References apply to the classification place they appear and to all hierarchically lower classification places, unless stated otherwise.
Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP
This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.
Official MPEP § 905.01(a)(1) — References within CPC Titles
Source: USPTO905.01(a)(1) References within CPC Titles [R-07.2015]
References are statements enclosed within parentheses in titles. The references point to other classification places that may be of interest. References apply to the classification place they appear and to all hierarchically lower classification places, unless stated otherwise.
Examples of References:
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Example:
B64C AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS (air-cushion vehicles B60V)
(A) Limiting references
A limiting reference is found in the group titles of the scheme and exclude specific subject matter from the scope of the classification place, when this subject matter would otherwise fulfill all the requirements of the classification place (or would be covered by that place). Limiting references are pertinent for classification purposes. Limiting references limit the scope of a place, thereby avoiding overlap.
Example:
A01F 7/02 . With rotating tools (threshing cylinders or concaves A01F 12/18)
(B) Precedence references
A precedence reference is a special example of a limiting reference that always refers to another group or groups taking “precedence” within the same subclass. The purpose of a precedence reference is to remove overlap between two similar groups.
Example:
G02B 1/00 Optic elements
1/04 . made of organic materials (1/08 takes precedence)