Design Search Codes
How the USPTO classifies visual elements in trademarks — and why design code searching is essential for logo protection.
What Are Design Search Codes?
A classification scheme assigning numeric codes to visual elements in trademarks. Stars, animals, plants, geometric figures, letters — every visual element is coded. The system is hierarchical with categories, divisions, and sections.
Why They Matter for Logo Searches
You cannot search for visual similarity using text queries. Typing "mountain logo" finds marks containing the word "mountain" — not the thousands depicting a mountain without the word. Design codes provide standardized vocabulary for visual elements.
Common Categories
Category 01 (celestial bodies), Category 03 (animals), Category 05 (plants), Category 06 (landscapes), Category 24 (heraldic symbols), Category 26 (geometric shapes), Category 27 (stylized letters and numerals).
How We Use Design Codes
We analyze your design, identify every applicable code, and search the register for marks classified under those codes and related codes with visual characteristics in common. Combined with a goods/services filter to focus on relevant marks.