How does the U.S. use the International Patent Classification?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uses the International Patent Classification (IPC) in conjunction with its own classification system. According to the MPEP: “In accordance with the Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification, the United States is required to indicate on its issuing documents the classification symbols of the International Patent Classification…
Read MoreHow does the U.S. Design Classification system compare to the Locarno Classification system?
The relationship between the U.S. Design Classification system and the Locarno Classification system is complex. The MPEP states: In many areas of design subject matter, the U.S. Design Classification and Locarno Classification systems are parallel. In others, the two systems are conceptually different. Key differences include: The Locarno system is generally based on the nature…
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