What is the current status of the USPC for utility patents?

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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 U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) for utility patents has undergone significant changes. According to MPEP 902 : “The USPC is now a static searchable database for all utility areas.” This means that while the USPC is no longer used for classifying new utility patents, it remains a valuable resource for searching and researching older patents. Patent examiners, attorneys, and inventors can still use the USPC to access historical patent information and conduct prior art searches for utility patents issued before the transition to the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 4 rules Collapse Classification Home Page Must Be Accessible via Toolkit MPEP 902.02 Classification Orders Affect Existing Definitions MPEP 902.02 Recommended Examiner Definitions Must Be Updated Periodically MPEP 902.02 Recommended Classification Orders Available Online for USPTO Personnel MPEP 902.02 Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse How can patent examiners access the Classification Home Page? How can I access the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system? What automated search tools are available to patent examiners? How does the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system work? What is the purpose of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system?