Distribution of Traditional Chinese Drug Technology in the International Patent Classification
谈中药技术在国际专利分类法中的分析

International Patent Classification (IPC) is a management and classification method of patent documents used internationally. The IPC is consisted of 8 sections, including inventions about knowledge in all areas. The classification system is arranged in a descending hierarchical structure. Traditional Chinese drug patents should be classified by the source of drugs, therapeutic activity, chemical composition, pharmaceutical technology, usage, and etc. There are many IPC sections, among which the traditional Chinese drug patents are distributed. The technology subject is about medicine, health care, chemistry, food, drink, food additives, and etc. The "Section A-Human Necessities" - "Health; Life-Saving; Amusement" - "A61-Medical or Veterinary Science; Hygiene" and "Section C - Chemistry; Metallurgy" are main classifications, which contain large number of patents on traditional Chinese drug.