Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

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EPO / Innovation Networks
Posts: 723
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 3:36 pm

Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

Post by EPO / Innovation Networks » Thu Aug 20, 2020 10:56 am

A number of users have observed that a substantial amount of CPC Y-tags are no longer available via the CPC browser in ESPACENET and show an empty screen when searched. Instead you will receive results when searching in ESPACENET via the Advanced search screen with the same CPC code (e.g. Y02T10/144, Y02E10/54). The complete overview of changes is available in this document.

In a nutshell:
During the last 4 months a major revision of the Y-tags took place. Over the last couple of years there was a wild increase of tags with some tags only being used for one or very few patent families. After consultations with key stakeholders, we have removed, regrouped and reviewed a substantial number of Y-tags and the EPO is currently re-classifying patent families according to the new scheme.
Although the new scheme is now available via the ESPACENET CPC browser, assigned Y-tags in ESPACENET (and in other applications such as PATSTAT) are still partly based on the previous CPC scheme. The reclassification and assignment of patent families to the new scheme is planned to be finalised in a couple of weeks (at the latest mid-September).
Additionally assignment of Y-tags to new publications will be done quicker and more accurate under the new scheme.

More information on CPC can be found HERE.
Kind regards,

The Innovation Networks Team


arleenzank
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2021 2:53 pm

Re: Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

Post by arleenzank » Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:00 pm

Is there an update on what is happening with the CPC Y-tags. We are noticing some irregularities in what is tagged with Y CPCs and what is not. For example, on batteries we routinely find patents and pre-grant publications that seem like they should have Y tags but do not. In other art that seems like there should be Y tags there are none. For example, new high octane synthetic fuels don't appear to have Y CPCs even though their impact on mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) is obvious.

Are there classification placement rules beyond what is contained with the CPC itself?

Thank you.


EPO / Innovation Networks
Posts: 723
Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 3:36 pm

Re: Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

Post by EPO / Innovation Networks » Tue Aug 03, 2021 12:33 pm

Dear Arleenzank,

In order for our CPC experts to provide you with a reply, could you please give us some examples of patent documents you feel should be classified in the scheme?

Many thanks in advance!
Last edited by EPO / Innovation Networks on Fri Aug 06, 2021 6:40 am, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Typo corrected
Kind regards,

The Innovation Networks Team


SmugCherry
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Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2021 12:58 pm

Re: Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

Post by SmugCherry » Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:04 pm

EPO / Patent Information wrote:
Tue Aug 03, 2021 12:33 pm
Dear Arleenzank,

In order for our CPC experts to provide you with a reply, could you please give us some examples of patent documents you feel should be classified in the scheme? mcdvoice

Many thanks in advance!
We are noticing some irregularities in what is tagged with Y CPCs and what is not. For example, on batteries we routinely find patents and pre-grant publications that seem like they should have Y tags but do not.


EPO / OPS Support
Posts: 1294
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:32 pm

Re: Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

Post by EPO / OPS Support » Wed Sep 15, 2021 7:14 am

Hi,

Its very hard for us to assist with such requests if we have no samples to look at. If you have doubts about proper allocations, please send us few examples to patentdata@epo.org and we will have a look and reply as soon as possible.

Thank you in advance

Vesna on behalf of Patent Data Team


danielsyguides
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2023 5:41 am

Re: Ongoing revision and changes on the CPC Y-tags

Post by danielsyguides » Thu Dec 21, 2023 5:44 am

We may have any updates on the status of CPC Y-tags? We've observed inconsistencies in items tagged with Y CPCs. For instance, in the case of batteries, we often come across patents and pre-grant publications that seem suitable for Y tags but lack them. Similarly, certain areas, like new high octane synthetic fuels with evident greenhouse gas (GHG) impact, seem to lack Y CPCs. Are there additional rules for classification placement beyond what the CPC provides? Thank you.


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