International Patent Classification (IPC)

Browse and Search the Current IPC or Earlier Versions
The International Patent Classification (IPC), established by the Strasbourg Agreement 1971, provides for a hierarchical system of language independent symbols for the classification of patents and utility models according to the different areas of technology to which they pertain.

GENERAL INFORMATION	RESOURCES FOR IPC COMMUNITY
About the IPC Revision & Reclassification IPC Reform Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)	IPC E-Forum Meetings, Circulars Download and IT support Training	IPCCAT: automated classification TACSY: natural language search of IPC IPCVAL: validity checking of symbols Restricted access: RIPCIS

IPC/WG/22 (November 30 to December 4, 2009): Invitation and Draft Agenda now available (Oct 8, 2009)
Circular C. IPC 201 and document IPC/WG/21/2 (Report) now available (Jul 28, 2009)
Next version of the IPC (IPC 2010.01) enters into force on January 1, 2010 (Jul 3, 2009)
Working documents for meeting IPC/WG/21 available (Jun 12, 2009)
Circular C. IPC 200 and its questionnaire now available (May 19, 2009)