What is the relation between IPC and ECLA?
ECLA is the internal classification scheme used by the European Patent Office and it is based on the IPC, but it is much more detailed. ECLA classification codes can be used to carry out subject searches on the Esp@cenet database. This is done by either inserting an ECLA classification in the EC classification field, if known, or by clicking on the highlighted ECLA field when a bibliographic record of a patent specification known to be of interest is found. The advantages of using ECLA are that when the schedules are revised, which happens quite frequently, the Esp@cenet database is revised so that only the latest codes need to be searched to cover back in time. The codes are also applied consistently by one group of examiners. ECLA is available on EPO’s web site at the URL http://l2.espacenet.
