USPTO and EPO Joining forces in Patent Classification
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has agreed to partner with the European Patent Office and come up with a common patent classification system.
The U.S. patent system predates the International Patent Classification (IPC) system, but will now be working with the EPO in designing a finer, more detailed joint system. The new system is expected to help patent searchers conduct more detailed, efficient searches. It is also expected to cut down on duplicative work performed by both offices.
This is a giant step towards coming up with a uniform standard for patent classification and will better protect patent right holders. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) administers these types of movements and sets intellectual property system standards. WIPO is an agency of the United Nations.
To learn more about the partnership, visit USPTO and EPO Work Toward Joint Patent Classification System.
If you live in North Florida and have a question about patents, please contact Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A., a Jacksonville, Florida law firm.
