PC7 – „Harmonization of product indications for Designs" - applicable as from 15 January 2017
The new DesignClass classification tool offers, based on product indications existing in the Locarno Classification, an easy-to-use set of features to help users find product indications in its harmonized database, relating to products that best fit the products for which they wish to register a design, before filing an application.
DesignClass was developed within the framework of the project Convergence on Harmonization of Product Indications under the Convergence Program (CP 7) and has been operational since 2016. The Convergence Program is dedicated to promoting the harmonization of practices within the ETMDN. Romania was part of the Package Working Group and the Working Group on the creation of this new product indication classification tool.
By limiting the risk of an objection based on simple formalities to an appropriate product indication (which involves additional costs to remedy any deficiencies), DesignClass can help reduce the costs associated with filing applications for design registration with various IP Offices.