A complete classification number consists of symbols representing a department, a large category, a small category, a large group or a small group. The red circle in the figure below is the complete representation of the patent classification number.
International patent classification is a general international patent literature classification. The classification number obtained by classifying patent documents (specifications) with the international patent classification table is called the international patent classification number, which is usually abbreviated as IPC number.
IPC adopts the classification principle of combining function with application, with function as the main and application as the auxiliary. In the hierarchical form, the technical contents are marked as follows: Department-Division-Class-Class-Group-Group, and a complete classification system is gradually formed.
The patent classification number of an application for a patent for invention and utility model is identified by the IPC International Patent Classification Table. When the same patent may have multiple classification numbers, the first one is called the main classification number.
For example, if an application for a patent for invention or an application for a patent for utility model involves different types of technical topics, and these technical topics constitute invention information, it shall be classified several times according to the technical topics involved and given multiple classification numbers. Rank the classification number that best represents the invention information in the first place.
Classification table is a tool to classify patent documents in various countries. Its basic purpose is to become an effective retrieval tool for patent offices and other users to retrieve patent documents when determining the novelty and creativity of patent applications (including evaluating the advanced nature and practical value of technology).