Is the U.S. Patent Classification System still being updated?
According to MPEP 902.01, the status of the U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) is as follows:
“The U.S. Patent Classification System is a static system and is no longer updated for the utility classes. The USPC remains active for the plant and design classes.”
Additionally, the Manual of Classification is no longer being updated: “The Manual of Classification will no longer be updated after December 31, 2014.”
For current classification practices, the MPEP directs users to the Cooperative Patent Classification System: “See MPEP § 905 et seq. for information regarding the Cooperative Patent Classification System.”
To learn more: