The International Patent Classification (IPC) is a system used to categorize patents and utility models according to the different areas of technology they pertain to. Established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the IPC helps in organizing patent documents, making it easier for inventors, researchers, and patent offices to search for and analyze technological information. The IPC is divided into sections, classes, subclasses, and groups, each representing specific technological fields. This hierarchical structure allows for efficient classification and retrieval of patents, facilitating innovation and ensuring that inventors can protect their inventions effectively across international borders.