DWPITM categorizes patent documents using a simple classification system for all technologies. This unique classification is consistently applied to all patents by Clarivate Analytics subject experts, enabling effective and precise searching in a particular area of technology. Patents are divided into three broad areas: Chemical, Engineering, and Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Each of these is then further divided into Sections and Classes which describe the technical area, or areas, covered by the patent.
Sections
Patents are divided into 21 broad subject areas or Sections. These are designated A-M (Chemical); P-Q (Engineering); and S-X (Electronic and Electrical).
Classes
These Sections are then further subdivided into classes. Each Class consists of the Section letter, followed by two digits. For example X22 is the Class designation for Automotive Electrics and C04 is the Class for all Chemical Fertilisers.
When used in combination with other online search terms e.g. a Keyword Search, these Classes allow you to precisely and effectively restrict your search to the relevant subject area.
For example, the otherwise ambiguous word “WARN” can be combined with X22 (Automotive Electrics) to retrieve only those references to automotive warning devices.
DWPI cross-classifies entries to ensure that all the patents of interest are retrieved when searching.
Brief details of the Sections are below, for full details please consult the DWPI Classification Guide.