1. Harmonization Steering Group consists of Germany, Sweden, UK, WIPO and OHIM Harmonization Steering Group consists of Germany, Sweden, UK, WIPO and OHIM During the last conference a common vision statement was defined:During the last conference a common vision statement was defined: “The aim of the Harmonization on TM Classification is to reach a COMMON CLASSIFICATION PRACTICE amongst the participating Trademark Offices. This is to ensure that the user will be presented not only with one single list of Goods and Services in all languages, but also one way of accepting and refusing lists of Goods and Services” The group drafted of a work flow dealing with the integration on new offices and the maintenance of the data. The group drafted of a work flow dealing with the integration on new offices and the maintenance of the data. Harmonization

2. Assumptions With an open and pragmatic approach in the classification of G&S, harmonization should not be too difficult to reach. With an open and pragmatic approach in the classification of G&S, harmonization should not be too difficult to reach. Each office who wants to join will have to agree to the principles established by the working group Each office who wants to join will have to agree to the principles established by the working group Main principles Main principles  WIPO as mediator  Every new member has the opportunity to challenge a classification  Respect the deadlines An on-line forum will support the harmonization An on-line forum will support the harmonizationHarmonization

3. 2 STEP : Minimizing database Cleaning database Harmonised database Apply minimization rules EN database EN database EN database EN database Minimized database 4 STEP : Harmonizing with other Offices Harmonization with other offices will depend on the status of the harmonization process and wether the joining office has a database larger then the official Nice list. 3 STEP : Fill-up Translation in all EU languages Classification experts from OHIM or National Offices validate EN database Minimized database... DE FR PL Apr 09 Jun 09 May 10 2011 1 STEP : Harmonizing EN list 5 comparison Lists: (G&S in same class; G&S in different classes etc) EN database UK & OHIM DBs EN database OHIM EN database Experts agreed on different classification & 15 terms sent to WIPO ~ 90 000 terms

4. Harmonization with other TMO 5 comparison lists New language? Own DB? yes no yes no yes Finished New language? Add terms to syn. groups + terms New language syn groups Minimize new language Experts agree on different classification or terms send to WIPO Experts agree on classification or terms send to WIPO Harmonization

5. Thank you for your attention Questions?Harmonization