Legal Definitions - CASSIS/CLASS

CASSIS/CLASS refers to a specialized database maintained by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This system organizes and stores information about U.S. patents based on their technical classification, which categorizes inventions into specific technological fields. It serves as a crucial resource for individuals and organizations seeking to research existing patented technologies, often referred to as "prior art," and understand the landscape of innovation.

This database is particularly useful because it allows users to search for patents by their assigned technical category, making it easier to find relevant inventions within a specific area of technology. It is typically accessible at designated PTO Depository Libraries.

• Example 1: Researching New Product Development

  Imagine a small business, "GreenTech Solutions," is developing a new type of biodegradable plastic for food packaging. Before investing heavily in research and development, they want to ensure their innovative material doesn't infringe on existing patents. They could visit a PTO Depository Library and use CASSIS/CLASS to search for patents within classifications like "biodegradable materials," "packaging technology," or "polymer science."

  How it illustrates the term: By searching through patents organized by these specific technical classifications, GreenTech Solutions can efficiently identify existing patented technologies related to their product. This helps them understand the current patent landscape, avoid potential legal conflicts, and guide their own innovation process.

• Example 2: Verifying Novelty for an Inventor

  An independent inventor, Sarah, has designed a unique drone delivery system for remote areas. She believes her invention is novel and wants to apply for a patent. To strengthen her application and ensure her idea hasn't already been patented, she needs to conduct a thorough prior art search.

  How it illustrates the term: Sarah could utilize CASSIS/CLASS to search for patents categorized under "unmanned aerial vehicles," "delivery systems," or "logistics technology." By reviewing patents within these classifications, she can determine if similar drone delivery methods or components have already been patented, helping her assess the novelty of her invention before filing a patent application.

• Example 3: Academic Study of Technological Trends

  A university research team is conducting a study on the evolution of renewable energy technologies over the past two decades. They want to analyze the types of solar panel innovations that have been patented and identify key trends and innovators.

  How it illustrates the term: The researchers could use CASSIS/CLASS to access patents specifically classified under "solar energy," "photovoltaic devices," or "renewable power generation." This allows them to systematically track the development of patented inventions in these fields, providing valuable data for their academic analysis of technological progress and market shifts.