What are the references in the IPC?
(see also paragraph 38-40 and 48 of the Guide to the IPC) References traditionally occur at the end of titles of IPC hierarchical entries (sections, classes, subclasses, main groups and subgroups) and in notes and point to other places in the IPC which are of relevance in the context of the technical subject matter covered by the place where they appear. The IPC contains different categories of references: References relevant to classification: They limit the scope of a place and are therefore also called “limiting references”. There are three types of such references: precedence references, references to application places, other limiting references. Informative references: They indicate other places in the IPC which cover similar subject matter which could be of interest for search purposes. For example, when searching for spectroscopic apparatus in G01J 3/00, it could be of interest to know that semiconductor detectors are classified in Section H.
(see also paragraph 38-40 and 48 of the Guide to the IPC) References traditionally occur at the end of titles of IPC hierarchical entries (sections, classes, subclasses, main groups and subgroups) and in notes and point to other places in the IPC which are of relevance in the context of the technical subject matter covered by the place where they appear. The IPC contains different categories of references: References relevant to classification: They limit the scope of a place and are therefore also called “limiting references”. There are three types of such references: precedence references, references to application places, other limiting references. Informative references: They indicate other places in the IPC which cover similar subject matter which could be of interest for search purposes. For example, when searching for spectroscopic apparatus in G01J 3/00, it could be of interest to know that semiconductor detectors are classified in Section H. As such informative references do n
