1401.04(a)      Prior United States Classification System

Prior to the adoption of the International Classification in 1973, the United States Classification was the controlling classification used in the USPTO.  After adoption of the International Classification, the United States Classification became a secondary classification system.  United States classes are still assigned to all applications by a computerized system.  Each international class is coordinated with the United States classes that are most frequently associated with it.  Neither examining attorneys nor any other USPTO personnel have the authority or capability of altering these automatically assigned secondary United States Classification designations.