What is the statutory authority for the patent classification system?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 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 statutory authority for establishing and maintaining the patent classification system is provided in 35 U.S.C. 8 . According to MPEP 903.01 , this statute states: “The Director may revise and maintain the classification by subject matter of United States letters patent, and such other patents and printed publications as may be necessary or practicable, for the purpose of determining with readiness and accuracy the novelty of inventions for which applications for patent are filed.” This authority allows the USPTO to create and update the classification system to efficiently organize and search patent documents, facilitating the examination process and prior art searches. Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Director May Revise Patent Classifications for Novelty Determination MPEP 903.01 Permitted Utility Patents and Applications Require CPC Classification MPEP 903 Design and Plant Patent Classification Required MPEP 903 Patent Document E for Novelty Prior Art MPEP 1844.01 Heading for Claim Rejections under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) MPEP 1205.02 Required Claim Rejection Using Prior Art MPEP 1504.01(d) Recommended Exceptions to Prior Art Disclosures by Inventors MPEP 1504.02 Prohibited Disclosure by Inventor Not Prior Art MPEP 1504.02 Prohibited Disclosure Within One Year Not Prior Art MPEP 1504.02 Prohibited Disclosure in Patents Not Prior Art MPEP 1504.02 Prohibited Other Related FAQs 5 FAQs Collapse What types of documents are included in the patent classification system? How does the patent classification system contribute to the examination process? What is the purpose of the patent classification system? Who has the authority to revise the patent cla...