Points of interest concerning the new IPS5

The IPC is widely regarded as an important search tool, both by patent offices and by outside users. To maintain its usefulness, the classification schemes of the IPC have to be adapted in order to provide for new techniques and to keep the size of the search files manageable. Such adaptation is done by amending the classification schemes, or by introducing hybrid systems. In the fifth edition of the IPC, both approaches have been followed; in comparison with the fourth edition, the number of hybrid systems introduced has sharply increased. The use of hybrid systems is strongly recommended; it is, however, non-obligatory, at least for the near future. Symbols of the IPC are alloted to patent documents by classifiers all over the world. To ensure a uniform interpretation of the classification schemes, both the concept and the wording thereof must be clear to everybody. As some problems were experienced in this respect, the paragraphs in the Guide to the IPC dealing with the principles of the Classification have been rewritten completely. Furthermore, a lot of references and notes have been introduced in the classification schemes in order to clarify the distinction between closely related technical areas. Examples of the major changes are briefly mentioned. Also some important decisions by the IPC Committee of Experts are noted. Furthermore, attention is paid to the intended future development of the IPC.