KnowThis Tutorial: Marketing Method Patents
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2. Identifying the Patent Classification
All inventions must be associated with one or possibly more patent classification categories of which there are thousands. The classification chosen should be relevant to the invention and can be found either through the Manual of Patent Classification or by looking at the classification of related patents. Classification selection is important since patent examiners are assigned to handle applications within a certain class. Choosing the wrong classification may delay the examination. For business methods having Internet or technology components a common classification category is Class 705 - Data Processing: Financial, Business Practice, Management, or Cost/Price Determination. The 705 class covers numerous Internet marketing methods including those related to e-commerce, market research, advertising, and more. But searchers should be aware that marketing business methods may also be found in other categories.
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Marketing Method Patents 