What is the purpose of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system in patent examination?
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system serves a crucial purpose in patent examination. According to MPEP 909.01(a):
“The CPC system is a classification system jointly developed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the USPTO. The CPC system is based on the International Patent Classification (IPC) system and incorporates additional subdivisions to provide more detailed classifications.”
The CPC system aims to:
- Provide a more detailed and precise classification of patent documents
- Facilitate more efficient prior art searches
- Enhance harmonization between the USPTO and EPO classification practices
- Improve the quality and consistency of patent examination across different patent offices
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