e-patent-law.com
Q & A
About Patents
l. What do the terms "patent pending" and "patent applied for" mean?
They are used by a manufacturer or seller of an article to inform the public that an application for patent on that article is on file in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The law imposes a fine on those who use these terms falsely to deceive the public.
2. Is there any danger that the
Most patent applications filed on or after November 29, 2000 will be published eighteen months after the filing date of the application, or any earlier filing date relied upon under title 35, United States Code. Otherwise, all patent applications are maintained in the strictest confidence until the patent is issued or the application is published. After the application has been published, however, a member of the public may request a copy of the application file. After the patent is issued, the Office file containing the application and all correspondence leading up to issuance of the patent is made available in the Files Information Unit for inspection by anyone and copies of these files may be purchased from the Office.
3. If two or more persons work together to make an invention, to whom will the patent be granted?
If each had a share in the ideas forming the invention as defined in the claims - even if only as to one claim, they are joint inventors and a patent will be issued to them jointly on the basis of a proper patent application. If, on the other hand, one of these persons has provided all of the ideas of the invention, and the other has only followed instructions in making it, the person who contributed the ideas is the sole inventor and the patent application and patent shall be in his/her name alone.
4. If a first person furnishes all of the ideas to make an invention and a second person employs the first person or furnishes the money for building and testing the invention, should the patent application be filed by the first and second persons jointly?
No. The application must be signed by the true inventor, and filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in the inventor's name. This is the person who furnishes the ideas (e.g. the first person in the above fact pattern), not the employer or the person who furnishes the money.
5. Are there any organizations in my area that can tell me how and where I may be able to obtain assistance in developing and marketing my invention?
Yes. In your own or neighboring communities you may inquire of such organizations as chambers of commerce, and banks. Many communities have locally financed industrial development organizations which can help you locate manufacturers and individuals who might be interested in promoting your idea.
6. Are there any state government agencies that can help me in developing and marketing of my invention?
Yes. In nearly all states there are state planning and development agencies or departments of commerce and industry which seek new product and new process ideas to assist manufacturers and communities in the state. If you do not know the names or addresses of your state organizations you can obtain this information by writing to the governor of your state.
About Trademarks
What is a trademark?
A trademark includes any word, name, symbol, or device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce to identify and distinguish the goods of one manufacturer or seller from goods manufactured or sold by others, and to indicate the source of the goods. In short, a trademark is a brand name.
What is a service mark?
A service mark is any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce, to identify and distinguish the services of one provider from services provided by others, and to indicate the source of the services.
What is a certification mark?
A certification mark is any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used, or intended to be used, in commerce with the owner’s permission by someone other than its owner, to certify regional or other geographic origin, material, mode of manufacture, quality, accuracy, or other characteristics of someone's goods or services, or that the work or labor on the goods or services was performed by members of a union or other organization.
What is a collective mark?
A collective mark is a trademark or service mark used, or intended to be used, in commerce, by the members of a cooperative, an association, or other collective group or organization, including a mark which indicates membership in a union, an association, or other organization.
Basic Questions
Do I need to register my trademark?
No. However, federal registration has several advantages including notice to the public of the registrant's claim of ownership of the mark, a legal presumption of ownership nationwide, and the exclusive right to use the mark on or in connection with the goods or services set forth in the registration.
What are the benefits of federal trademark registration?
1. Constructive notice nationwide of the trademark owner's claim.
2. Evidence of ownership of the trademark.
3. Jurisdiction of federal courts may be invoked.
4. Registration can be used as a basis for obtaining registration in foreign countries.
5. Registration may be filed with U.S. Customs Service to prevent importation of infringing foreign goods.
Do I have to be a
No. However, an applicant's citizenship must be set forth in the record. If an applicant is not a citizen of any country, then a statement to that effect is sufficient. If an applicant has dual citizenship, then the applicant must choose which citizenship will be printed in the Official Gazette and on the certificate of registration.
Are there federal regulations governing the use of the designations "TM" or "SM" with trademarks?
No. Use of the symbols "TM" or "SM" (for trademark and service mark, respectively) may, however, be governed by local, state, or foreign laws and the laws of the pertinent jurisdiction must be consulted. These designations usually indicate that a party claims rights in the mark and are often used before a federal registration is issued.
When is it proper to use the federal registration symbol (the letter R enclosed within a circle -- ® -- with the mark.
The federal registration symbol may be used once the mark is actually registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Even though an application is pending, the registration symbol may not be used before the mark has actually become registered. The federal registration symbol should only be used on goods or services that are the subject of the federal trademark registration. [Note: Several foreign countries use the letter R enclosed within a circle to indicate that a mark is registered in that country. Use of the symbol by the holder of a foreign registration may be proper.]
What constitutes interstate commerce?
For goods, "Interstate commerce" involves sending the goods across state lines with the mark displayed on the goods or the packaging for the goods. With services, "interstate commerce" involves offering a service to those in another state or rendering a service which affects interstate commerce (e.g. restaurants, gas stations, hotels, etc.).
How do I find out whether a mark is already registered?
In order to determine whether any person or company is using a particular trademark, a trademark search can be conducted.
Is a federal registration valid outside the
No. Certain countries, however, do recognize a
Searching
Is it advisable to conduct a search of the Office records before filing an application?
Yes.
What are common law rights?
Federal registration is not required to establish rights in a trademark. Common law rights arise from actual use of a mark. Generally, the first to either use a mark in commerce or file an intent to use application with the Patent and Trademark Office has the ultimate right to use and registration. However, there are many benefits of federal trademark registration.
What is a common law search? How can I do one? Is doing a common law search necessary?
A common law search involves searching records other than the federal register and pending application records. It may involve checking phone directories, yellow pages, industrial directories, state trademark registers, among others, in an effort to determine if a particular mark is used by others when they have not filed for a federal trademark registration. A common law search is not necessary but some find it beneficial.
In searching the trademark database on the Web there are records that appear to be a registrations but the registration numbers are shown as 0000000. Is this an error?
No, this is not an error. The registration number 0000000 is associated with PTO records that have serial numbers that begin with "89-". The prefix "89-" is assigned to material that the PTO is obligated to protect either by law or treaty. However, since this material is not actually registered under the Trademark Act, it is not issued a registration number.
There are two types of material that are assigned "89-" serial numbers. One type is material that is used by
Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights
How do I find out if I need patent, trademark and/or copyright protection?
Patents protect inventions and improvements to existing inventions. Copyrights cover literary, artistic, and musical works. Trademarks are brand names and/or designs which are applied to products or used in connection with services.
How do I register a copyright?
The Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) does not handle the registration of copyrights. Register with The Copyright Office, which is part of the Library of Congress.
Application Process
How do I obtain a federal trademark registration?
A registration may be applied for by filing a properly executed application with the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
Who may file an application?
Only the owner of the trademark may file an application for its registration. An application filed by a person who is not the owner of the mark will be declared void. Generally, the person who uses or controls the use of the mark, and controls the nature and quality of the goods to which it is affixed, or the services for which it is used, is the owner of the mark.
What is a specimen?
A specimen is a real-world example of how the mark is actually used on the goods or in the offer of services. Labels, tags, or containers for the goods are considered to be acceptable specimens of use for a trademark. For a service mark, specimens may be advertising such as magazine advertisements or brochures. Actual specimens, rather than facsimiles, are preferred. However, if the actual specimens are bulky, or larger than 8˝" x 11", then the applicant must submit facsimiles, (e.g., photographs or good photocopies) of the specimens. Facsimiles may not exceed 8˝" x 11". ONE SPECIMEN IS REQUIRED FOR EACH CLASS OF GOODS OR SERVICES SPECIFIED IN THE APPLICATION.
Specimens are required in applications based on actual use in commerce, Section 1(a), 15 U.S.C. §1051(a), and must be filed with the Amendment to Allege Use, 15 U.S.C. §1051(c), or the Statement of Use, 15 U.S.C. §1051(d), in applications based on a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce, Section 1(b), 15 U.S.C. §1051(b). Specimens are not required for applications based on Section 44 of the Trademark Act (for owners of foreign trademark applications and registrations), 15 U.S.C. §1126.
What is the drawing?
The "drawing" is a page which depicts the mark applicant seeks to register. In an application based on actual use, Section 1(a), 15 U.S.C. §1051(a), the drawing must show the mark as it is actually used, i.e., as shown by the specimens. In the case of an application based on a bona fide intention to use, Section 1(b), 15 U.S.C. §1051(b), the drawing must show the mark as the applicant intends to use it. In an application based on a foreign application or foreign registration, Sections 44(d) or 44(e), 15 U.S.C. §§1126(d) and (e), the drawing must depict the mark as it appears or will appear on the foreign registration. The applicant cannot register more than one mark in a single application. Therefore, the drawing must display only one mark.
If an applicant submits specimens, is a drawing still required?
Yes. A drawing is required in all applications, and is used by the Office for several purposes, including printing the mark in the Official Gazette, and ultimately, on the registration certificate itself. Specimens, on the other hand, are required as evidence that a mark is in actual use in commerce.
Do I need an attorney to file my application?
No, but an applicant is responsible for observing and complying with all substantive and procedural issues and requirements whether or not represented by an attorney.
On what bases can a foreign applicant file an application for registration?
1. Use in interstate commerce or commerce between the
2. Bona fide or good faith intention to use the mark in interstate commerce or commerce between the
3. Ownership of an application filed in a foreign country (if within six months of the foreign filing date).
4. Ownership of a foreign registration (with a certified copy).
Can the Office refuse to register a mark?
Yes. The Office will refuse to register matter if it does not function as a trademark. Not all words, names, symbols or devices function as trademarks. For example, matter which is merely the generic name of the goods on which it is used cannot be registered.
Additionally, Section 2 of the Trademark Act (15 U.S.C. §1052) contains several of the most common (though not the only) grounds for refusing registration. The grounds for refusal under Section 2 may be summarized as:
1. the proposed mark consists of or comprises immoral, deceptive, or scandalous matter;
2. the proposed mark may disparage or falsely suggest a connection with persons (living or dead), institutions, beliefs, or national symbols, or bring them into contempt or disrepute;
3. the proposed mark consists of or comprises the flag or coat of arms, or other insignia of the United States, or of any State or municipality, or of any foreign nation;
4. the proposed mark consists of or comprises a name, portrait or signature identifying a particular living individual, except by that individual's written consent; or the name, signature, or portrait of a deceased President of the United States during the life of his widow, if any, except by the written consent of the widow;
5. the proposed mark so resembles a mark already registered in the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) that use of the mark on applicant's goods or services are likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception;
6. the proposed mark is merely descriptive or deceptively misdescriptive of applicant's goods or services;
7. the proposed mark is primarily geographically descriptive or deceptively geographically misdescriptive of applicant's goods or services;
8. the proposed mark is primarily merely a surname; and
9. matter that, as a whole, is functional. .
How long does it take for a mark to be registered?
It is difficult to predict how long it will take for an application to mature into a registration, because there are so many factors that can affect the process.
Generally, an applicant will receive a filing receipt approximately six months after filing. The filing receipt will include the serial number of the application. All future correspondence with the PTO must include this serial number. You should receive a response from the Office within six to seven months from filing the application. However, the total time for an application to be processed may be anywhere from almost a year to several years, depending on the basis for filing, and the legal issues which may arise in the examination of the application.
How long does a trademark registration last?
For a trademark registration to remain valid, an Affidavit of Use ("Section 8 Affidavit") must be filed: (1) between the fifth and sixth year following registration, and (2) within the year before the end of every ten-year period after the date of registration. The registrant may file the affidavit within a grace period of six months after the end of the sixth or tenth year, with payment of an additional fee.
The registrant must also file a §9 renewal application within the year before the expiration date of a registration, or within a grace period of six months after the expiration date, with payment of an additional fee.
Assuming that an affidavit of use is timely filed, registrations granted PRIOR to November 16, 1989 have a 20-year term, and registrations granted on or after November 16, 1989 have a 10-year term.
This is also true for the renewal periods; renewals granted PRIOR to November 16, 1989 have a 20-year term, and renewals granted on or after November 16, 1989 have a 10-year term.
When did the renewal period change from twenty to ten years?
November 16, 1989. Registrations issued on or after November 16, 1989 have a ten-year term, renewable every ten years.
How long does an Intent-to-Use applicant have to allege actual use of the mark in commerce?
An applicant may file an Amendment to Allege Use any time between the filing date of the application and the date the Examining Attorney approves the mark for publication. If an Amendment to Allege Use is not filed, then applicant has six months from the issuance of the Notice of Allowance to file a Statement of Use, unless the applicant requests and is granted an extension of time. If the applicant fails to file either an Amendment to Allege Use or a Statement of Use within the time limits allowed, then the application will be declared abandoned. No registration will be granted.
What are the different classes of goods and services?
GOODS
CLASS 1 (Chemicals)
Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly chemical products used in industry, science and agriculture, including those which go to the making of products belonging to other classes.
Includes, in particular:
· compost;
· salt for preserving other than for foodstuffs.
Does not include, in particular:
· raw natural resins (Cl. 02);
· chemical products for use in medical science (Cl. 05);
· fungicides, herbicides and preparations for destroying vermin (Cl. 05);
· adhesives for stationery or household purposes (Cl. 16);
· salt for preserving foodstuffs (Cl. 30);
· straw mulch (Cl. 31).
CLASS 2 (Paints)
Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly paints, colorants and preparations used for the protection against corrosion.
Includes, in particular:
· paints, varnishes and lacquers for industry, handicrafts and arts;
· dyestuffs for clothing;
· colorants for foodstuffs and beverages.
Does not include, in particular:
· unprocessed artificial resins (Cl. 01);
· laundry bluing (Cl. 03);
· cosmetic dyes (Cl. 03);
· mordants for seed (Cl. 05);
· paint boxes (articles for use in school) (Cl. 16);
· insulating paints and varnishes (Cl. 17).
CLASS 3 (Cosmetics and cleaning preparations)
Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly cleaning preparations and toilet preparations.
Includes, in particular:
· deodorants for personal use;
· sanitary preparations being toiletries.
Does not include, in particular:
· chemical chimney cleaners (Cl. 01);
· sharpening stones and grindstones (hand tools) (Cl. 08).
CLASS 4 (Lubricants and fuels)
Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles, wicks.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly industrial oils and greases, fuels and illuminants.
Does not include, in particular:
· certain special industrial oils and greases (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).
CLASS 5 (Pharmaceuticals)
Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying
vermin; fungicides, herbicides.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly pharmaceuticals and other preparations for medical purposes.
Includes, in particular:
· sanitary preparations for medical purposes and for personal hygiene;
· deodorants other than for personal use;
· cigarettes without tobacco, for medical purposes.
Does not include, in particular:
· sanitary preparations being toiletries (Cl. 03);
· deodorants for personal use (Cl. 03);
· supportive bandages (Cl. 10).
CLASS 6 (Metal goods)
Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; iron mongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; goods of common metal not included in other classes; ores.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly unwrought and partly wrought common metals as well as simple products made of them.
Does not include, in particular:
· bauxite (Cl. 01);
· mercury, antimony, alkaline and alkaline-earth metals (Cl. 01);
· metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists (Cl. 02).
CLASS 7 (Machinery)
Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly machines, machine tools, motors and engines.
Includes, in particular:
· parts of motors and engines (of all kinds);
· electric cleaning machines and apparatus.
Does not include, in particular:
· certain special machines and machine tools (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
· hand tools and implements, hand operated (Cl. 08);
· motors and engines for land vehicles (Cl. 12).
CLASS 8 (Hand tools)
Hand tools and implements (hand operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly hand operated implements used as tools in the respective professions.
Includes, in particular:
· cutlery of precious metals;
· electric razors and clippers (hand instruments).
Does not include, in particular:
· certain special instruments (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
· machine tools and implements driven by a motor (Cl. 07);
· surgical cutlery (Cl. 10);
· paperknives (Cl. 16);
· fencing weapons (Cl. 28).
CLASS 9 (Electrical and scientific apparatus)
Scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), lifesaving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; fire-extinguishing apparatus.
Explanatory Note
Includes, in particular:
· apparatus and instruments for scientific research in laboratories;
· apparatus and instruments for controlling ships, such as apparatus and instruments, for measuring and for transmitting orders;
· the following electrical apparatus and instruments:
a. certain electrothermic tools and apparatus, such as electric soldering irons, electric flat irons which, if they were not electric, would belong to Class 8;
b. apparatus and devices which, if not electrical, would be listed in various classes, i.e., electrically heated clothing, cigar-lighters for automobiles;
· protractors; punched card office machines; amusement apparatus adapted for use with television receivers only.
Does not include, in particular:
· the following electrical apparatus and instruments:
a. electromechanical apparatus for the kitchen (grinders and mixers for foodstuffs, fruit-presses, electrical coffee mills, etc.), and certain other apparatus and instruments driven by an electrical motor, all coming under Class 7;
b. electric razors and clippers (hand instruments) (Cl. 08); electric toothbrushes and combs (Cl. 21);
c. electrical apparatus for space heating or for the heating of liquids, for cooking, ventilating, etc. (Cl. 11);
· clocks and watches and other chronometric instruments (Cl. 14);
· control clocks (Cl. 14).
CLASS 10 (Medical apparatus)
Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly medical apparatus, instruments and articles.
Includes, in particular:
· special furniture for medical use;
· hygienic rubber articles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
· supportive bandages.
CLASS 11 (Environmental control apparatus)
Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.
Explanatory Note
Includes, in particular:
· air conditioning apparatus;
· bedwarmers, hot water bottles, warming pans, electric or non-electric;
· electrically heated cushions (pads) and blankets, not for medical purposes;
· electric kettles;
· electric cooking utensils.
Does not include, in particular:
· steam producing apparatus (parts of machines) (Cl. 07);
· electrically heated clothing (Cl. 09).
CLASS 12 (Vehicles)
Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.
Explanatory Note
Includes, in particular:
· motors and engines for land vehicles;
· couplings and transmission components for land vehicles;
· air cushion vehicles.
Does not include, in particular:
· certain parts of vehicles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
· railway material of metal (Cl. 06);
· motors, engines, couplings and transmission components other than for land vehicles (Cl. 07);
· parts of motors and engines (of all kinds) (Cl. 07).
CLASS 13 (Firearms)
Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly firearms and pyrotechnical products.
Does not include, in particular:
· matches (Cl. 34).
CLASS 14 (Jewelry)
Precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, not included in other classes; jewelry, precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly precious metals, goods in precious metals and, in general, jewelry, clocks and watches.
Includes, in particular:
· jewelry (i.e. imitation jewelry and jewelry of precious metal and stones);
· cuff links, tie pins.
Does not include, in particular:
· certain goods in precious metals (classified according to their function or purpose), for example:
· metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists (Cl. 02);
· amalgam of gold for dentists (Cl. 05);
· cutlery (Cl. 08);
· electric contacts (Cl. 09);
· pen nibs of gold (Cl. 16);
· objects of art not in precious metals (classified according to the material of which they consist).
CLASS 15 (Musical Instruments)
Musical instruments.
Explanatory Note
Includes, in particular:
· mechanical pianos and their accessories;
· musical boxes;
· electrical and electronic musical instruments.
Does not include, in particular:
· apparatus for the recording, transmission, amplification and reproduction of sound (Cl. 09).
CLASS 16 (Paper goods and printed matter)
Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists' materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); playing cards; printers' type; printing blocks.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly paper, goods made from that material and office requisites.
Includes, in particular:
· paper knives;
· duplicators;
· plastic sheets, sacks and bags for wrapping and packaging.
Does not include, in particular:
· certain goods made of paper and cardboard (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
· colors (Cl. 02);
· hand tools for artists (for example: spatulas, sculptors' chisels) (Cl. 08).
CLASS 17 (Rubber goods)
Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly electrical, thermal and acoustic insulating materials and plastics, being for use in manufacture in the form of sheets, blocks and rods.
Includes, in particular:
· rubber material for recapping tires;
· padding and stuffing materials of rubber or plastics;
· floating anti-pollution barriers.
CLASS 18 (Leather goods)
Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly leather, leather imitations, travel goods not included in other classes and saddlery.
Does not include, in particular:
· clothing, footwear, headgear (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).
CLASS 19 (Nonmetallic building materials)
Building materials (nonmetallic); nonmetallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen; nonmetallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly nonmetallic building materials.
Includes, in particular:
· semi-worked woods (for example: beams, planks, panels);
· veneers;
· building glass (for example: floor slabs, glass tiles);
· glass granules for marking out roads;
· letter boxes of masonry.
Does not include, in particular:
· cement preservatives and cement-waterproofing preparations (Cl. 01);
· fireproofing preparations (Cl. 01).
CLASS 20 (Furniture and articles not otherwise classified)
Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly furniture and its parts and plastic goods, not included in other classes.
Includes, in particular:
· metal furniture and furniture for camping;
· bedding (for example: mattresses, spring mattresses, pillows);
· looking glasses and furnishing or toilet mirrors;
· registration number plates not of metal;
· letter boxes not of metal or masonry.
Does not include, in particular:
· certain special types of mirrors, classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
· special furniture for laboratories (Cl. 09);
· special furniture for medical use (Cl. 10);
· bedding linen (Cl. 24);
· eiderdowns (Cl. 24).
CLASS 21 (Housewares and glass)
Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steel wool; un-worked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes.
Explanatory Note
This class includes mainly small, hand-operated, utensils and apparatus for household and kitchen use as well as toilet utensils, glassware and articles in porcelain.
Includes, in particular:
· utensils and containers for household and kitchen use, for example:
· kitchen utensils, pails, and pans of iron, aluminum, plastics and other materials, small hand-operated apparatus for mincing, grinding, pressing, etc.;
· candle extinguishers, not of preciou