U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Information Products Division
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U.S. Patent Classification System - Classification Definitions
as of June 30, 2000

Explanation of Data

The U.S. Patent Classification System (USPC) is used to classify patents granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The USPC provides for the storage and retrieval of every U.S. patent document that a patent examiner needs to review when examining patent applications.

This set of web pages displays the classification definitions corresponding to classes and subclasses contained in the USPC. The classification definitions are those that existed as of the date listed at the top of the page.

Please note that the USPC is updated regularly to better categorize patented technologies. As these definitions are updated, all existing U.S. patents granted since 1790 are reclassified to reflect these classification updates.

While measures have been taken to provide accurate and complete information in these web pages, errors and omissions may occur.

For a more complete description of the U.S. Patent Classification System and the procedures used to classify patents within the system, please consult the Examiner Handbook to the U.S. Patent Classification System.

Contacts

Questions regarding these reports should be directed to:

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Information Products Division
PK3- Suite 441
Washington, DC 20231

tel: (703) 306-2600
FAX: (703) 306-2737
email oeip@uspto.gov

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Last modified 6 October 2000