What are references within CPC titles?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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.

References within CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) titles are statements enclosed in parentheses that point to other classification places of interest. As stated in MPEP 905.01(a)(1):

“References are statements enclosed within parentheses in titles. The references point to other classification places that may be of interest.”

These references apply to the classification place where they appear and all hierarchically lower places, unless otherwise stated.

Tags: Cpc, Patent Classification, titles