What is the relation between the IPC and ECLA?
ECLA is the internal classification scheme used by the European Patent Office (EPO) and it is based on the IPC, but it is much more detailed. ECLA classification codes can be used to carry out subject searches on the Esp@cenet database. This is done by either inserting an ECLA classification in the EC classification field, if known, or by clicking on the highlighted ECLA field when a bibliographic record of a patent specification known to be of interest is found. The advantages of using ECLA are that when the classification schedules are revised, which happens quite frequently, the Esp@cenet database is revised so that only the latest codes need to be searched to cover backlog documentation. The codes are also applied consistently by one group of examiners. ECLA is available on EPO website at the URL http://l2.espacenet.com/eclasrch. The more detailed subdivision of ECLA also serves as a source for the future revision of the advanced level of the IPC, i.e. for the more detailed subdivi
ECLA is the internal classification scheme used by the European Patent Office (EPO) and it is based on the IPC, but it is much more detailed. ECLA classification codes can be used to carry out subject searches on the Esp@cenet database. This is done by either inserting an ECLA classification in the EC classification field, if known, or by clicking on the highlighted ECLA field when a bibliographic record of a patent specification known to be of interest is found. The advantages of using ECLA are that when the classification schedules are revised, which happens quite frequently, the Esp@cenet database is revised so that only the latest codes need to be searched to cover backlog documentation. The codes are also applied consistently by one group of examiners. ECLA is available on EPO website. The more detailed subdivision of ECLA also serves as a source for the future revision of the advanced level of the IPC, i.e. for the more detailed subdivision of the present IPC structure.
