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902.04 Classification Orders - 900 Prior Art, Classification, Search
902.04 Classification Orders
Classification orders issue once a month, each order detailing the changes resulting from a classification project effected that month.
Since classification projects issue monthly throughout the year, orders are used to bridge the gap between the time a project issues and the time the other search tools (Manual of Classification, Index to the USPCS, Classification Definitions) are updated.
The order includes the following:
(A) Either the new class schedules or changes to existing class schedules necessitated by the project;
(B) The changes to the definitions necessary to support the changes in (A), above;
(C) Source and disposition lists showing how the old art has been distributed into the newly established subclasses; and
(D) A revised concordance showing the relationship between the newly established subclasses and their International Patent Classification (IPC) counterparts.
Classification orders are distributed to classifiers and examiners associated with the reclassification project of the order, to Patent Depository Libraries, and to the Patent Search Room. Copies can be obtained through a post classifier within the Technology Center or from the Office of Classification Support.
Much of the information contained in a Classification Order is available to USPTO personnel online from the Classification Home Page, which is accessible from the "Patent Examiner's Toolkit" toolbar.
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