What is the structure of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) scheme?
The Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) scheme has a hierarchical structure consisting of multiple levels. According to MPEP 905.01, the CPC structure is as follows:
- Section: The highest level, designated by a letter from A to H and Y
- Class: A two-digit number
- Subclass: A letter
- Group: A one to three-digit number
- Main Group and Subgroup: Separated by a forward slash (/)
For example, in the CPC symbol A01B 1/02:
- A = Section (Agriculture)
- 01 = Class
- B = Subclass
- 1/02 = Group/Subgroup
This hierarchical structure allows for precise classification of patent documents and efficient searching within specific technological areas.
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