The International Patent Classification (IPC) and Its Use in Vietnam

The International Patent Classification (IPC) is a hierarchical system used worldwide to categorise inventions by their technical field. Administered internationally and applied by patent offices including Vietnam's, the IPC assigns a standard code to each patent document so that inventions can be organised, searched, and retrieved consistently across jurisdictions. Anyone conducting a patent search in Vietnam will encounter IPC codes.

How the IPC is structured

The IPC divides all technology into a nested hierarchy. Each successive level narrows the technical field:

• Section — eight broad areas labelled A to H (for example, A for human necessities, H for electricity).
• Class — a two-digit number added to the section.
• Subclass — a letter identifying a narrower field.
• Group and subgroup — numbers that pinpoint the specific technical subject matter.

A full IPC symbol combines these levels into a single code that precisely locates an invention within the technology map.

Why the IPC matters in practice

• Searching — targeting the correct IPC codes makes prior-art searches far more accurate than keywords alone, which can miss documents in other languages.
• Examination — examiners use IPC codes to route applications and locate relevant prior art.
• Competitive intelligence — analysing filings by IPC code reveals where competitors are innovating.

Using the IPC when filing in Vietnam

When a patent application is filed in Vietnam, it is classified under the IPC. Applicants and their representatives benefit from identifying likely IPC codes early, both to search prior art before filing and to understand the technical field in which the application will be examined. The IPC is periodically revised, so using the current edition matters.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to assign the IPC code myself?

The patent office assigns the official classification, but knowing the likely codes helps you search effectively and prepare your application.

Is the IPC the same in every country?

The IPC is an international standard applied broadly, which is what makes cross-border searching possible. Some offices also use additional regional classification schemes alongside it.

How can I find the right IPC code?

You can use the official IPC catalogue and search tools, working from the technical problem and solution to narrow from section down to subgroup.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law identifies the relevant IPC classifications for searches and filings and uses them to build accurate prior-art strategies in Vietnam — contact our team.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.