How should I analyze the scope of a class in the USPC?
When analyzing the scope of a class in the USPC, you should follow these steps:
- Determine the types of subject matter contained in the class (e.g., manufacture, art, apparatus, or stock material).
- For each type of subject matter, consider various combinations and subcombinations, including:
- Basic subject matter combined with features for additional purposes
- Basic subject matter combined with perfecting features
- Basic subject matter itself
- Subcombinations specialized to basic subject matter
- Subcombinations of general utility
As stated in the MPEP:
“In using any classification system, it is necessary to analyze the organization of the class or classes to be included in the search. The initial analysis should determine which one or ones of the several types of subject matter (manufacture, art, apparatus, or stock material) are contained in the class being considered.”
This approach helps in understanding the full scope and organization of a class, which is crucial for effective patent searching and classification.
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