How does CPC classification handle “additional information”?

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.

CPC classification handles “additional information” by assigning it separate classification symbols. According to MPEP 905.03(b), “Additional information is defined as non-trivial technical information which might be useful for search purposes, but does not represent a contribution to the state of the art.”

The MPEP provides guidance on how additional information is treated:

• It is identified and classified separately from inventive information
• Classification symbols for additional information are typically preceded by the letter “I” in databases
• It may include technical features that are not novel but are still important for comprehensive searching

By classifying additional information, the CPC system ensures that searchers can find relevant prior art even if it’s not the main focus of a patent document. This approach enhances the thoroughness and efficiency of patent searches.