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903.02 Basis and Principles of Classification - 900 Prior Art, Classification, Search
903.02 Basis and Principles of Classification
The basis of classification used in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the principles followed, and the reasons why such principles were adopted are set forth in the booklet, Development and Use of Patent Classification Systems, which is available in each art unit. An electronic text file of this booklet is available from the Editorial Division of the Office of Classification Support. Since classification is the basic tool of every examiner, this booklet, particularly as it relates to the present classification system, should be carefully studied. Also available is the "Examiner Handbook to the U.S. Patent Classification System" which can be accessed from either the Classification Data Systems (CDS) Intranet Home Page or the USPTO Home Page.
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