• A patent will protect your intellectual property.document image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
  
  A patent is a way of legally protecting your intellectual property. Applying for a patent can be a laborious process, given that the patent office must determine that no similar product is already in existence. Given this, it is possible to aid the patent office, and therefore speed up the process, by classifying your patent within a certain area.
  
  

Group I

• Group I classification refers to "Chemical and Related Arts". Within this group are a variety of distinct sub-categories, which will help to specify your patent, and ensure that it is sent to the correct department. For example, sub-categories in Group I include "Nanotechnology," "Compositions and Synthetic Resins," and "Organic Compounds." For the full list, check the classification list.
  
  

Group II

• Group II is for patent applications related to "Communications, Radiant Energy, Weapons, Electrical and Computer Arts." Within this group are items such as "Communications: Electrical," "Measuring, Testing, Precision Instruments," and "Ammunition and Weapons." Within this classification, many of the areas are sensitive in nature, such as patents relating to nuclear weaponry. Given this, many patents may be referred to the military or government.
  
  

Group III

• Group III concerns "Body Treatment and care, Heating and Cooling, Material Handling and Treatment, Mechanical Manufacturing, Mechanical Power, static and related arts." This classification receives a large variety of patents. It is important that items are sent to the correct department, so be sure to check your patent application against the classification list.
  
  

Group IV

• Group IV is "Industrial Designs," which contains a great variety of sub-classifications, including "Tobacco and Smokers' Supplies," "Medical and Laboratory Equipment," and "Edible Products." Naturally, there is a great deal of overlap between these and the preceding groups, and as such, the sub-classifications must be checked carefully, and related to the original group title. So, if you want a patent on "Cosmetic Products," you must consider whether to apply for a Group IV "Industrial Designs" classification or a Group III "Body Treatment and Care" classification. This will depend on whether your patent relates to industry or popular consumption.