IPC Definitions - January 01, 2012
C12P - Definition
This subclass covers:
Processes wherein the product (compound or composition) is synthesised by a biochemical transformation of matter performed by using enzymes or micro-organisms.
Processes of separating enantiomers (optical isomers) from a racemic mixture by using enzymes or micro-organisms.
Explanatory Note:
This subclass covers both major and minor chemical modifications.
Relationship between large subject matter areas
In subclasses C12M to C12Q , in the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate subclass of subclasses C12M to C12Q.
If a particular reaction is considered of interest, it may also be classified in the relevant chemical compound class, e.g. C07C08.
Processes using enzymes or micro-organisms which are already provided for in other subclasses are further classified in C12S when considered relevant for search purposes.
It is desirable to add the indexing codes of subclass C12R for micro-organisms which are considered to be of interest for search.
References relevant to classification in this subclass
This subclass does not cover:
Treating dough with micro-organisms | A21D 8/04 |
Processes for treating foods or foodstuffs with micro-organisms | A23 |
Production of methane by anaerobic treatment of sludge | C02F 11/04 |
Preparation of fertilisers characterized by a composting step | C05F 17/00 |
Fermentation processes for beer production | C12C 11/00 |
Fermentation processes for wine making | C12G 1/00 |
Fermentation processes for preparing alcoholic beverages other than wine and beer | C12G 3/00 |
Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, ageing of alcoholic beverages involving enzymes | C12H 1/15 |
Removal of alcohol from alcoholic beverages | C12H 3/00 |
Preparing vinegar by fermentation of starting materials | C12J |
Processes of preparing enzymes | C12N 9/00 |
DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification | C12N 15/00 |
Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:
Methods of preparing compounds without using enzymes or micro-organisms | C01, C07, C08 |
Methods for enhanced recovery of hydrocarbons using bacteria | E21B 43/22 |
Special rules of classification
In the absence of an indication to the contrary, classification is made in the last appropriate place.
Group C12P 1/00 covers general processes using micro-organisms or enzymes for preparing compounds or compositions and processes using micro-organisms or enzymes for producing compositions and compounds not sufficiently identified to be classified in groups C12P 3/00 to C12P 37/00. Compounds identified only by their empirical formulae are not considered to be sufficiently identified to be classified in groups C12P 3/00 to C12P 37/00.
In this subclass, sub-cellular parts of micro-organisms, unless specifically provided for elsewhere, are classified with the whole cell
In this subclass:
metal or ammonium salts of a compound are classified as that compound.
compositions are classified in the relevant compound groups.
In this subclass, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:
Micro-organism | Comprises single-celled organisms such as bacteria, actinomycetales or single-celled fungi, e.g. yeasts; for the purposes of classification, this term also includes viruses, human, animal or plant cells, protozoa, tissues and unicellular algae. |