Rules for classification of function-oriented or application-oriented subject matter can be found in the Notes. See 4.2.1.1.4 Function-Oriented and Application-Oriented Places for an introduction to function-oriented and application-oriented places.

Often, the invention information relates only to a particular field of use, and the application-oriented places are intended to cover completely the classification of such matter. The function-oriented places embrace a wider concept in which the constructional or functional characteristics of a subject are applicable to more than one field of use, or in which the application to a particular field of use is not considered invention information.

When it is unclear whether to classify a technical subject in a function-oriented place or in an application-oriented place, the following should be observed:

a) If a particular application is mentioned, but not specifically disclosed or fully identified, classification is made in the function-oriented place, if available. This is likely to be the case when several applications are broadly stated.

b) If the essential technical characteristics of the subject relate both to the intrinsic nature or function of a thing and to its particular use, or its special adaptation to or incorporation into a larger system, classification is made in both the function-oriented place and the application-oriented place, if available.

c) If guidance indicated in subparagraphs (a) and (b), above, cannot be used, classification is made in both the function-oriented place and the relevant application-oriented places.

When classifying a larger system (combination) as a whole, attention should be given to parts or details whenever they are novel and unobvious. Classification of both the system and these parts and details is necessary.

Example 1: When a document is concerned with the incorporation of a given thing, for example, a leaf spring, into a larger system, (e.g. a vehicle wheel suspension), it is therefore concerned with the larger system and should be classified in the place for this system (B60G). If the document is also concerned with the thing itself, i.e. the leaf spring as such, and it is novel and unobvious, it is also necessary to classify the document in the place for the thing itself (F16F).

Example 2: When a document is concerned with the incorporation of a GPS-based location sensor into a larger system (e.g. autonomous vehicle guidance system), it is therefore concerned with the larger system and should be classified in the place for this system (G05D 1/00). If the document is also concerned with the thing itself, i.e. the GPS sensor as such, and it is novel and unobvious, it is also necessary to classify the document in the place for the thing itself (G01S 19/00).

Places, for example, subclasses, are not always exclusively function-oriented or application-oriented in relation to other places in the Classification. Furthermore, the expressions “function-oriented place” and “application-oriented place” cannot always be regarded as absolute. Thus, a given place may be more function-oriented than another place but less function-oriented than yet a further place.

Amended Reasons

Amended Reason	Date Amended
	18 Oct 2023