Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification

Quick Facts: Who was Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification?

Subject:

Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification

Known for:

International treaty establishing common patent classification (IPC) for inventions.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification (or IPC), also known as the IPC Agreement, is an international treaty that established a common classification for patents for invention, inventors' certificates, utility models and utility certificates, known as the "International Patent Classification" (IPC). The treaty was signed in Strasbourg, France, on 24 March 1971; it entered into force on 7 October 1975 and was amended on 28 September 1979.

Career & Major Achievements

The Agreement and the certified statement were registered by the World Intellectual Property Organization on 28 February 1980. States that are parties to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) may become party to the Strasbourg Agreement.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As of June 2026, there were 68 contracting parties to the Strasbourg Agreement. The Holy See, the Iran and Liechtenstein signed the Agreement in 1971 but have not ratified it.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1883: 1883 Milestone — States that are parties to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883) may become party to the Strasbourg Agreement.
2. 1971: 1971 Milestone — The treaty was signed in Strasbourg, France, on 24 March 1971; it entered into force on 7 October 1975 and was amended on 28 September 1979.
3. 1980: 1980 Milestone — The Agreement and the certified statement were registered by the World Intellectual Property Organization on 28 February 1980.
4. 2026: 2026 Milestone — As of June 2026, there were 68 contracting parties to the Strasbourg Agreement.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification

True or False: “True or False: The Strasbourg Agreement Concerning the International Patent Classification was signed before the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883).”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Strasbourg Agreement was signed in 1971, which is significantly later than the Paris Convention of 1883. The Paris Convention predates the IPC Agreement.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Historical peer (Died in 1971) (1971): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Historical peer (Born in 1971) (1971): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• 50 Cent — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for raw storytelling and business acumen.
• Alex Rodriguez — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Legendary former MLB star, A-Rod, transitioned into a powerful sports and business mogul.
• A. P. Elkin — Historical peer (Died in 1979) (1979): Influential Australian anthropologist and Anglican clergyman (1891–1979)
• A. Philip Randolph — Historical peer (Died in 1979) (1979): Pioneer labor unionist and civil rights activist who fought for racial equality.
• Abby Wambach — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Historical peer (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• A. S. Neill — Historical peer (Born in 1883) (1883): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Abd al-Qadir al-Jaza'iri — Historical peer (Died in 1883) (1883): Algerian religious and military leader who resisted French colonization for 17 years.

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