What is the MCD?
The Master Classification Database (MCD) is another prominent feature of the reformed IPC. It is a database which collects regularly updated classification information for at least all patent documents belonging to the PCT Minimum Documentation. The new rules governing the revision of the advanced level of the IPC require obligatory reclassification of all PCT Minimum patent documents which carry classification symbols affected by revision projects. All such reclassification data is to be collected in the MCD and will from there be available to the public via Esp@cenet. The MCD will therefore be the most powerful tool for searching patent documents according to the most recent version of the IPC. Information regarding non PCT Minimum documents will completely depend on what information is supplied by national intellectual property offices with respect to their national collections of patent documents. The operations with respect to the maintenance of MCD are detailed in CONOPS (Concept
