What is the Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System?

The Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) is an alphabetic listing of technical and common terms that refer to specific classes and subclasses within the USPC. As stated in MPEP 902.01(a): “The Index to the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) is an alphabetic listing of technical and common terms referring to specific classes…

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Why is it important to review Search Notes of parent subclasses in USPC?

Reviewing Search Notes of parent subclasses in the United States Patent Classification (USPC) system is crucial for conducting comprehensive prior art searches. The MPEP 902.02(a) emphasizes this importance: “Since a search note that applies to a particular subclass is rarely repeated for subclasses indented thereunder, it is advisable to review the search notes of all…

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How can I identify a harmonized subclass in the USPC?

Harmonized subclasses in the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) are easily identifiable by specific designations following the subclass title. According to the MPEP: “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 has been harmonized with the EPO or JPO…

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Where can USPTO personnel access the USPC Index?

USPTO personnel have specific access to the USPC Index through internal resources. As mentioned in MPEP 902.01(a): “The Index is available online to USPTO personnel from the Classification Home Page – USPC Index. The Classification Home Page ( http://ptoweb:8081/ ) is accessible from the desktop via the Patent Examiner’s Toolkit.” This means that USPTO employees…

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How can I suggest changes to the USPC Index?

The USPTO encourages suggestions and changes to improve the USPC Index. According to MPEP 902.01(a): “Suggestions or changes to the Index are encouraged and should be directed to the Technology Center (TC) classification contact in the TCs.” If you have suggestions for improving the Index, you should contact the classification specialists in the relevant Technology…

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How often is the USPC Index updated?

The USPC Index is regularly updated to ensure its accuracy and relevance. As stated in MPEP 902.01(a): “The Index is regularly updated.” This regular updating process helps maintain the Index’s usefulness as a tool for patent classification and searching. Users should always refer to the most recent version of the Index when conducting their searches.…

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How comprehensive is the USPC Index?

The USPC Index, while useful, should not be considered exhaustive. According to MPEP 902.01(a): “The index is used as an initial entry into the system and should not be considered exhaustive. All appropriate class schedules should be scanned for specifically related subclasses, and the definitions and associated notes of the pertinent classifications should also be…

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What are harmonized subclasses in the U.S. Patent Classification System?

Harmonized subclasses in the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) are subclasses that have been aligned with corresponding subclasses from the European Patent Office (EPO) and/or the Japan Patent Office (JPO). The MPEP states: “The U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) includes subclasses that have been harmonized with subclasses from the European Patent Office (EPO) and the…

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How are foreign patent documents organized in the USPTO?

Foreign patent documents in the USPTO are organized differently based on when they were received: Documents received before October 1, 1995: These were typically placed in the shoes in the Technology Center (TCs), organized according to the United States Patent Classification System (USPC) or, less frequently, the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. Documents received after…

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How are foreign patent documents classified in the USPTO?

Foreign patent documents are classified in the USPTO according to the following system: Documents published by the European Patent Office (EPO) or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) are classified only in the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. Other foreign patent documents may be classified in the IPC, the United States Patent Classification (USPC) system,…

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