Trademarks are used to distinguish goods and services of companies. The classification of goods and services is defined by the International treaty known as "Nice Classification" or "International Classification of Goods and Services". Every five years the Nice Classification is revised.
Exemption to the duty to file search results regarding foreign priority applications under Rule 141(2) EPC
On December 9, 2010 the President of the European Patent Office decided that upon filing a European patent application it is not necessary to submit earlier search results regarding the priority claim of a Japanese, a UK or US patent application. However, the duty to file earlier search results regarding other priority claims is maintained. The Decision entered into force on January 1, 2011.