MPEP § 905.01(a)(4) — Guidance Headings Found in CPC Schemes (Annotated Rules)

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 905.01(a)(4), 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.

Guidance Headings Found in CPC Schemes

This section addresses Guidance Headings Found in CPC Schemes.

Key Rules

Permitted Actions (2)

MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-905-01-a-4-1ac5b043cdd8926befe8ea69]
Guidance Headings for CPC Schemes
Note:
Provides guidance on using common subject matter headings in CPC schemes.
Guidance headings may be provided as follows:
  • (A) 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.
  • (B) As a title, without any associated symbol, of subject matter preceding several main groups.
  • (C) To describe common subject matter of several main groups.
Jump to MPEP Source
MPEP GuidancePermittedAlways
[mpep-905-01-a-4-28ed6e7a5bd1bf8e2932219f]
Common Subject Matter Guidance Heading Permitted
Note:
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.

Guidance headings may be provided as follows (A) 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.

Jump to MPEP Source

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.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2026-01-17