This paper extends some fundamental concepts of qualitative matrix analysis from sign pattern classes of real matrices to sign pattern classes of complex matrices. A complex sign pattern and its corresponding sign pattern class are defined in such a way that they generalize the definitions of a (real) sign pattern and its corresponding sign pattern class. A survey of several qualitative results on complex sign patterns is presented. In particular, sign nonsingular complex patterns are investigated. The type of region in the complex plane representing the distribution of the determinants of the matrices in the sign pattern class of a sign nonsingular complex pattern is identified. Cyclically nonnegative complex patterns and complex patterns that are signature similar to nonnegative patterns are characterized. Extensions of sign stable and sign semistable patterns from the real to the complex case are given. Results on ray patterns are also obtained. Finally, many open questions are mentioned.

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