Question

what are the fields of Classification of international patents?

Answer 1

FIELDS OF CLASSIFICATION OF INTERNATIONAL PATENTS

International patent classification,IPC,is a hierarchical classification system which constitues sections, classes,subclasses and groups.Groups are again subdivided into main groups and subgroups.The concept of IPC was came in force from 1st Januaary 2000, consists of 8 sections,120 classes,628 subclasses and approximately 69000 groups.

• The highest hierarchical level are the 8 sections of the IPC .They are mainly corresponds to broad technical fields.

e.g. section C handles 'Chemistry and Metallurgy'

• Sections are subdivided into classes . For example class,C21 handles 'metallurgy of iron'.
• Classes are further subdivided into more than 628 subclasses.For example the subclass A21B deals with 'machines or equipments for baking'.
• subclasses are again divided into main groups and subgroups.Main groups symbols ends with "/00", through that we can easily identify it.For example,"Dough-dividing machines" falls in A21C 5/00 Main group.Dough dividing machines are equipments conceived for volumetric seperation as well as rounding , up to different bakery and pastery doughs.It replaces manual labour .

The subgroups under the main groups is identififed by dots preceding the titles of the groups.

There are 3 types of patents granted:-

1. Utility patent - In this classification, the patent is granted on the functional aspects of the invention.For this patent, it is necessary to have lot of skill in drafting of the application and prosecuting it before a patent office.In this invention's functional utility is protected.
2. Design patent - In this type , the patent is granted to the external appearance or ornamental of the invention.but, if a design of functional necessity then it cannot be patented for Design Patent.For e.g. the aerodynamic shape of a plane cannot be registered as Design Patent , as its shape is very relevant for the smooth functioning of the invention itself.
3. Plant Patent - In this type of patent , patents are granted for plant variety made through asexual reproduction of plant varieties.

Strasbourg Aggrement is the legal foundation of the creation and revision of IPC because it established IPC.