CPC Workshop presented by Christopher Kim, USPTO.

Abstract:

In January 2013, the USPTO launched the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system in cooperation with the EPO. CPC is a common, internationally compatible classification system for patent documents used in the patent examination and granting process. The back-file of about 8 million U.S. patent documents and newly published documents now have CPC symbols. The CPC database jointly maintained by the USPTO and EPO contains more than 50 million documents, providing a comprehensive search of prior art and increased opportunities for work-sharing among Offices.

During the year since CPC was launched, all new Pre-grant publications now carry CPC classification data. Over 8000 USPTO examiners have been trained on classifying and searching in CPC. The USPTO continues to work closely with the EPO on the implementation, including cooperation on CPC definitions and revision projects. At the end of 2014, the USPTO is planning to make the United States Classification system (USPC) a static collection.

This presentation will cover the progress of transition at the USPTO & EPO and also include practical information on CPC classification practice.

Biography:

Christopher Kim is currently the CPC Program Coordinator at the USPTO, where he is responsible for the implementation of CPC within USPTO. Christopher has over 17 years of experience working on international projects, including Trilateral and IP5 harmonization projects. He was involved in the reform of the IPC at the outset from 1999 to 2005, as well as the Trilateral Classification Working Group, and the IP5 WG1 Working Group on Classification. His areas of expertise include patent information, documentation, standards, data exchange and classification.