How are disagreements on classification handled in Patentability Reports?

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.

When there’s a disagreement on classification in relation to a Patentability Report, the MPEP provides a clear process:

‘Conflict of opinion as to classification may be referred to a classification dispute TC representative panel for decision.’

This means that if examiners from different Technology Centers disagree on how to classify an application, they can seek resolution from a specialized panel. This ensures consistency and accuracy in patent classification across different technical fields.