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WIPO Launches Unique Image-Based Search for Trademarks, Other Brand Information

Geneva, May 12, 2014
PR/2014/760

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has unveiled a one-of-a-kind image-search function for its Global Brand Database, adding a new feature that allows users to upload an image to search for visually similar trademark and other brand-information records from among the millions of images in the collection.

The image-search functionality, which is the first such application among free, public intellectual property databases, was presented on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the International Trademark Association (INTA) annual meeting in Hong Kong. It adds an important new search possibility for the Global Brand Database’s users, who often wish to see if a logo, trademark or other similar image is separately registered for use.

Video: The new image-search function in action.

The new, easy-to-use image-search technology supplements the database’s other querying criteria, including Vienna Classification codes, brand-holder names, country of origin and others. With this new addition, for example, a user can simply upload a proposed logo and quickly return records – sifting through more than 4 million images from 15 national and international collections - of other protected images that may bear a resemblance.

Background for Editors

About the Global Brand Database: The database contains nearly 13 million records, with 15 national and international collections. The database contains more than 4 million searchable images.

About WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas travel safely to the market and improve lives everywhere.

We do so by providing services that enable creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to protect and promote their intellectual property (IP) across borders and acting as a forum for addressing cutting-edge IP issues. Our IP data and information guide decisionmakers the world over. And our impact-driven projects and technical assistance ensure IP benefits everyone, everywhere.

For more information, please contact the News and Media Division at WIPO:
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