Are U.S. utility patents still classified under the USPC system?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 4 Rules 5 Related FAQs This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice. 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 all utility areas.” This means that while the USPC remains a valuable resource for searching older patents, new utility patents are now classified using the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 4 rules Collapse Classification Orders Affect Existing Definitions MPEP 902.02 Recommended Examiner Definitions Must Be Updated Periodically MPEP 902.02 Recommended Classification Orders Available Online for USPTO Personnel MPEP 902.02 Classification Home Page Must Be Accessible via Toolkit MPEP 902.02 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can patent examiners access the Classification Home Page? How can I access the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system? What automated search tools are available to patent examiners? How does the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system work? What is the purpose of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system?