On , the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) updated its classification schema to make additions, deletions and amendments to the Vienna classification (VCL).
This notice is to inform you that the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) has implemented the classification schema in accordance with the Eighth Edition of the VCL.
The updates will not impact the current layout of disseminated trademarks data, in the sense that no new data fields will be created. However, a number of trademark records will be reclassified to comply with the schema. The reclassification process will occur over a period of eight (8) weeks, starting the week of October 15, 2018.
Further useful information
The VCL is an international standard administered by WIPO to classify the figurative elements of trademarks. Its structure is based on a hierarchical system that proceeds from the general to the particular and assigns a numerical code to each graphic element in a trademark design.
Vienna Codes are organized into groups and sub-groups by the type of graphic element that each group represents. There are four levels:
- Category: general groupings, e.g. human beings
- Division: specific groupings, e.g. children
- Section: very specific groupings, e.g. girls
- Auxiliary: provides additional information to the division, e.g. children drinking or eating
The online version of the Vienna Classification, Eighth Edition, is available on WIPO's website.