Is there a continuing need for a UK patent classification key?

The UK Patent Office has its own Patent Classification Key (the UKC key). All published UK patents are classified using the UKC key. In the mid 1990s the UK Patent Office held a consultation exercise on the Future of the UKC key. The decision at the time was to retain the UKC key and, in view of a changing environment, to review the position later. This consultation is intended to obtain views on the continuing need for the UKC key. Views are also sought in relation to the present practice of re-publishing PCT (original language English) cases so that we are better placed to make a decision regarding whether to continue with this practice.

The consultation is directed to anyone interested in the patent system in the UK, but especially those who have been or expect to be users of the system.