What are the different combinations and subcombinations considered in USPC classification?
The USPC classification system considers various combinations and subcombinations for each type of subject matter. These include: Basic Subject Matter Combined with Feature for Some Additional Purpose: This refers to features added to the basic subject matter that expand its scope beyond the class definition. Basic Subject Matter Combined with Perfecting Feature: These are features…
Read MoreWhat types of patent applications receive USPC classifications?
According to the MPEP, only U.S. design and plant patents and U.S. plant patent application publications continue to receive classifications within the United States Patent Classification (USPC) system. The MPEP states: “Only U.S. design and plant patents and U.S. plant patent application publications continue to receive classifications within the USPC.” It’s important to note that…
Read MoreWhich 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…
Read MoreWhat is the basis for classification in the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC)?
The basis for classification in the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) is primarily outlined in the “Examiner Handbook to the U.S. Patent Classification System.” As stated in the MPEP: “Many of the principles that form the basis of classification within USPC used in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office are set forth in the ‘Examiner…
Read MoreWhat are USPC class and subclass definitions?
USPC class and subclass definitions are detailed explanations of the subject matter covered by each class and subclass within the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC). As stated in the MPEP, Definitions state the subject matter of the classes and subclasses in much more detail than it is possible to state in the brief class and…
Read MoreAre U.S. utility patents still classified under the USPC system?
No, U.S. utility patents published after December 31, 2014, are no longer classified under the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC). According to MPEP 902: “All U.S. utility patents and U.S. utility Patent Application Publications published after December 31, 2014 no longer receive classifications within the USPC. The USPC is now a static searchable database for…
Read MoreWhat is the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC)?
The U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) is a system used for organizing and categorizing patents and patent applications. According to MPEP 902.01, “The U.S. Patent Classification System is a static system and is no longer updated for the utility classes. The USPC remains active for the plant and design classes.” The system consists of classes…
Read MoreHow can patent examiners update the classification of foreign patents?
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…
Read MoreHow does subclass harmonization affect patent searches?
Subclass harmonization significantly impacts patent searches by creating a more unified classification system across major patent offices. The MPEP’s description of harmonized subclasses between the USPC, EPO, and JPO indicates that: “Subclasses that have been harmonized have a designation of “EPO,” “JPO,” or “EPO/JPO” in parentheses following the subclass title to indicate if the subclass…
Read MoreWhat is the purpose of ‘See or Search’ notes in USPC definitions?
The ‘See or Search’ notes in USPC definitions serve several important purposes: They explain the relationship between different subject matter collections. They highlight differences between related classifications. They assist users in deciding whether to include or exclude certain areas in their search. As stated in MPEP 902.02(a): “‘See or Search’ notes are helpful in explaining…
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