Industrial Design Classification Lookup — WIPO

Purpose. Support examination of industrial design applications in Hague Registry and Operations by making class and subclass reference data searchable.

Problem. Examiners needed to consult senior examiners to identify the appropriate class and subclass for certain products out of a database of 6,831 products.

Vinod’s contribution. Vinod developed a Visual Basic application that searches the reference database using a full or partial product name and suggests the relevant class and subclass.

Capabilities demonstrated. Identifying an operational need, developing a practical application, making reference data accessible and reducing repetitive consultation.

Impact. An estimated around 600 hours per calendar year across examiners using the tool. This has not been quantified.

Status and evidence. Historical database-driven automation at WIPO, distinct from current AI learning and AI projects. No screenshot, source code or independently audited hour-saving study is published here.