From EUIPO's User Association newsletter comes welcome news of DesignClass. Phase II of this valuable and useful project went live this month, marking the finalisation of the CP7–Harmonisation of Product Indications convergence project. The objective is to make available a harmonised database of product indications and a common classification tool for designs. There are 15,000 pre-accepted product indications, including the Locarno 11th Edition Classification terms.

The result means greater legal certainty for users, as product indications from the harmonised database will be accepted throughout the EIPN. This, in turn, means a reduced risk of objections based on formalities. Moreover, the harmonisation of product indications and the definition of exact equivalents in all EU languages will increase the efficiency of DesignView.  EUIPO add:

Users are encouraged to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the harmonised database by submitting terms for inclusion or proposing the deletion of obsolete product indications to the EUIPO or to their local IP Office.

For further information on DesignClass, including FAQs and tutorials, just click http://euipo.europa.eu/designclass/