| 1 | - The term "patent" covers utility models and Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs).
- Offices which issue design patents should report their design patent information activities in their Annual Technical Reports on Industrial Design Information Activities. |
| 2 | Classification is allotting one or more classification symbols (e.g., IPC symbols) to a patent application. |
| 3 | Preclassification is allotting an initial broad classification symbol (e.g., IPC class or subclass, or administrative unit) to a patent application, using human or automated means for internal administrative purposes. |
| 4 | Reclassification is the reconsideration and usually the replacement of one or more previously allotted classification symbols to a patent document, following a revision and the entry into force of a new version of the Classification system (e.g., the IPC). The new symbols are available on patent databases. |
