Who has the authority to revise 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. According to MPEP 903.01 , the authority to revise the patent classification system is vested in the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The relevant statute, 35 U.S.C. 8 , 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…” This means that the USPTO Director has the legal power to update and modify the classification system as needed to improve its effectiveness in patent examination and prior art searching. 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 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 Effectively Filed Date for Prior Art Under 102(a)(2) MPEP 1504.02 Required 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? What is the statutory authority for the patent classification system? Can the patent classification system be upda...