International Patent Classification (IPC)

The International Patent Classification (IPC) is a standardised system for classifying the inventions described in patent applications. It was devised by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It helps examiners find relevant documents quickly and facilitates prior art searching.

Structure of the IPC

The IPC is divided into sections, classes, subclasses and groups. Each invention is classified according to its function and characteristics. A computer-related invention, for instance, falls within subclass G06F, whereas a preparation for medical use falls within subclass A61K.

Using the IPC

Patent offices worldwide use the IPC to organise patent information. It facilitates the search and examination of applications, and helps inventors situate their invention and identify existing patents.

The IPC is only a classification tool, however. It does not replace a thorough prior art search, which the inventor should always conduct before filing an application to check that the invention is new in view of what has already been disclosed.

The IPC in practice

The classification also serves in litigation. In a nullity action, it makes it possible to target prior art searches in the EPO and WIPO databases. Companies likewise use it to watch their competitors’ filings in a given technical field. Finally, the IPC evolves regularly, so the version in force should be checked before any search.