Main Content

URL: Location: HomePatentsLawLegal texts

Guidelines for Examination in the EPO

Guidelines for Examination - Table of Contents  
PART B GUIDELINES FOR SEARCH PART A PART C  
CHAPTER V PRECLASSIFICATION (ROUTING) AND OFFICIAL CLASSIFICATION OF EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATIONS CHAPTER IV SEARCH PROCEDURE AND STRATEGY CHAPTER VI THE STATE OF THE ART  
3. Incorrect preclassification 2. Preclassification (routing) 4. Official classification of the application  


3.

Incorrect preclassification

 

If, on reaching the directorate, an application has been found to be incorrectly preclassified and thus inappropriately allocated, it is reclassified and re-allocated by the directorate receiving it, the indication on the dossier being appropriately amended. Normally this is done by mutual agreement with the directorate to which it is proposed to re-allocate it. However, cases arise over which there is disagreement or uncertainty regarding classification boundaries, or where the directorate dealing with the case is uncertain as to its correct classification, and in such instances the directorate having the case should not spend time in trying to resolve the matter, but should consult the classification specialists in Principal Directorate Tools and, if necessary, refer the case to them.

 


Top . arrow top of page

© European Patent Office . Imprint . Terms of use . Last updated: 13.12.2007