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Have there been any attempts at classifying patent classes? I can see that the design classes is one group. I am wondering if it is possible to create groups such as chemistry, manufacturing, etc. Or even at a abstract level for things like processes, widgets. I realize that there will be overlap and cross references.
I am looking for a grouping of patent classes.
Look no further, it has been done, at least twice!
The examination corp is organized into Technology Centers.
Under that level are Art Units and each art unit is responsible for a handful of classes.
The USPTO recently started transitioning to a new joint US/EPO classification system called CPC that is based on the European system but with more granularity in the leaf nodes. Like the international system, it has a logical top level:
