USPTO and EPO Launch Cooperative Patent Classification System in Full

摘要

The US Patent and Trademark Office and the European Patent Office formally implemented on January 1 the Cooperative Patent Classification system, a common coding of technical subject matter, that they expect will increase efficiency in the patent examination process. The formal launch of the CPC "is a tremendous accomplishment, representing the collaborative efforts of both offices to create a bilateral classification system that will result in significant benefits to the global innovation community," USPTO Director David J Kappos said in a January 2 press release. "CPC will foster patent harmonization efforts by enhancing our ability to leverage and use work through an integrated network of intellectual property offices."