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EC Classification (51)
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Definition: |
In the European Patent Office, the technical content of patent documents is classified according to the European Classification, which is an extension of the International Patent Classification (IPC).
In the explanation below it will become clear how the EC classification is built on top of the IPC system. |
Content: |
The EC Classification is assigned by the EPO. The EC Classification is in constant development, and anticipates the new developments in technology.
The complete IPC can be found on the web site of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The European Classification can be consulted via espacenet and is updated frequently.
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Syntax: |
Cnn or |
Format: |
The classification is made up by a letter, denoting the IPC section, followed by a number (2 digits), denoting the IPC class.
Optionally, the classification can be followed by a sequence of a letter, denoting the IPC subclass, a number (variable, 1-3 digits), denoting the IPC main group, a forward slash "/", a number (variable, 1-3 digits), denoting the IPC subgroup. Optionally, the EC subgroup is added to the IPC symbol and has the form of a letter, optionally a number, optionally a letter, etc. Although on some documents the IPC symbol is printed with a blank after the 4th position, in esp@cenet the symbol must be entered in the search field without any blanks.
The same applies for EC symbols.
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Example: |
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Operators: |
AND, NOT, OR Default Operator: AND |
Further information: |
The content, index and manual of the IPC are available at the WIPO.
As mentioned above, the European Classification can be consulted via espacenet and is updated frequently.
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