How does the CPC system handle multiple inventive entities within a single patent document?

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.

The CPC system recognizes that a single patent document may contain multiple inventive entities, and it requires separate classification for each. According to MPEP 905.03(a):

“Patent documents should not be classified as a single entity. Rather, all different inventive entities, claimed or disclosed within the patent document, should be identified and separately classified.”

The MPEP further elaborates on what constitutes different inventive entities:

“Such different inventive entities are represented by different claims, alternative variants or different categories of subject matter (for example, a product and a method of its production).”

This approach ensures that:

• All novel and unobvious subject matter is properly classified
• Searchers can find relevant prior art for each inventive aspect
• The classification system accurately reflects the full scope of the invention

By classifying each inventive entity separately, the CPC system provides a more comprehensive and accurate representation of the technical content within a patent document.