What is the purpose of the Locarno Classification manual?
The Locarno Classification manual, available from WIPO, serves as a comprehensive guide for classifying industrial designs. According to the MPEP, the manual delineates the individual classes and subclasses and includes: (1) a general list of classes of industrial designs divided into broad subclasses; and (2) an alphabetical list of specific industrial designs with an indication of the classes and subclasses into which they should be classified.
This manual is essential for ensuring consistent classification of industrial designs across different jurisdictions and for facilitating international searches of design patents.
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