PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines
PART II THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION
Chapter 7 Classification of International Applications
Definitive Classification of the International Application
7.02 The classification of the international application is determined by the International Searching Authority. Classification symbols are applied to each application according to the current rules of the IPC. The IPC Guide can be accessed through the WIPO web site at www.wipo.int.
7.03 If the international application requires more than one classification symbol, then all such classifications are assigned in accordance with the IPC Guide.
Classification of Disclosure as Filed
7.04 The classification is determined without taking into consideration the probable content of the international application after any amendment, since this classification should relate to the disclosure in the published international application, that is, the application as filed. If, however, the examiner’s understanding of the invention, or of the content of the application as filed, alters significantly as a result of the search (for example, as a result of prior art found, or because of the clarification of apparent obscurities), the classification should be amended accordingly.