Eighth edition of the International Patent Classification (IPC8)

The eighth edition of the International Patent Classification (IPC8) is an internationally recognised classification system which came into force on 1 January 2006, based on IPC7. It was introduced and is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), 34, Chemin des Colombettes, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland; e-mail ipc.mail@wipo.int. Any enquiries about IPC8 and its use should be directed to WIPO.

IPC8 introduced core and advanced levels to the system. The core level is a simpler, more stable version of the system subject to revision every three years. Revisions to the advanced level IPC8 may occur every three months. All GB patents published from 1 January 2006 are classified under the advanced level of IPC8.

IPC8 , including classification definitions, informative references and structural chemical formulae, is published on the WIPO website.

The electronic version is selectively available in its different versions since introduction and in both advanced and core level forms.

All existing IPC7 terms that remain valid under IPC8, as well as new terms introduced on 1 January 2006, appear in Version 8 [2006.01]. Any new terms introduced after January 2006 appear in the appropriate subsequent version.

The design of front pages of patent documents incorporates internationally agreed formats which stipulate a tabular presentation of IPC8 data. IPC8 terms carry a version indicator in brackets, initially "(2006.01)", indicating the year and month when the classifying term was first introduced i.e. (2006.01) represents January 2006.