What is the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 4 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a bilateral classification system jointly developed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO). As stated in MPEP 905 : “Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) is a bilateral classification system jointly developed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO).” This system provides a standardized method for categorizing and searching patent documents across both offices, enhancing the efficiency of prior art searches and patent examination. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 4 rules Collapse Multipart Title Describes Separate Information Entities MPEP 905.01(a) Recommended Multipart Title Separated by Semicolon MPEP 905.01(a) Recommended Subclass Covers Refrigerators, Cold Rooms, Ice Boxes, and Other Cooling Devices MPEP 905.01(a) Recommended Record and Search Copies Must Be Processed Before Secrecy Order MPEP 120 Required Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How does CPC classification handle &#8220;additional information&#8221;? What is the difference between application and functional classification places in CPC? What is C-STAR (C*) information in CPC classification and why is it important? What is a C-STAR (C*) in CPC classification? What are combination sets in CPC classification?