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2 posts
zzcjames
Last seen: 08/07/2023 - 06:53
Joined: 08/05/2023 - 15:32
CPC Classification Question in Patent Applications and Granted

Hi all,

I've noticed that the number of CPCs (pg_cpc_at_issue) at the time of patent application often seems fewer than the final count (pg_cpc_current). Is this a data issue, or are CPCs added during the examination process?

Thanks for your insights!

Tue, 08/15/2023 - 10:50
PVTeam
Role: moderator
Last seen: 04/26/2024 - 10:39
Joined: 10/17/2017 - 10:47
CPC CLASSIFICATIONS CURRENT VS AT APPLICATION

Hello 

Yes, it's not uncommon for applications to change or gain classifications during the examination process. The table pg_cpc_at_issue represents the classifications printed on the cover of the initial application document, and the pg_cpc_current table represents the final classifications after any subsequent review or re-classification.

As an example, below are the results of searching for publication 20210123456 on the patent office's Patent Public Search page. Using the advanced search, you can search for any publication number and switch between the text view, which shows the current classification information, and the image view, which is a scan of the original publication document.

In this case, you'll find that the cover page has 6 cpc classifications, matching the results in the cpc_at_issue table...

 

and that the text view shows 9 classifications, matching the results in the cpc_current table.

Best,
PVTeam