CPC Definition - Subclass A61Q

Last Updated Version: 2023.02
SPECIFIC USE OF COSMETICS OR SIMILAR TOILETRY PREPARATIONS
Definition statement

This place covers:

  • Cosmetic compositions having one or more ingredient(s) classified in A61K 8/00, i.e. ingredients considered to belong to the core of the invention (*).
  • Only principal use(s) linked to the inventive effect (**). A patent document, i.e. claims, description and examples are pertinent to classify principal and eventually additional use(s) (**).) (**).
Relationships with other classification places
  • Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations should be further classified in subclass A61K 8/00, i.e. definition of chemical ingredients and physical form of the preparations which is defined as the core of the invention (*).
  • Uses concerning further soap bars or cleaning methods (washing or hard cleaning compositions) are classified in C11D.
  • Compositions which can be used in a therapeutic treatment should be further classified in A61P and also in A61K 31/00 - A61K 51/00 if they are defined by their ingredients or in A61K 9/00 if they are defined by their physical form.
  • Use of a composition as food or dietary supplement is further classified in A23L.
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Artificial eyelash or hair

A41G 5/00

Artificial nails

A45D 31/00

Artificial skin

A61F 2/105, A61L 27/60

Preparations for dentistry

A61K 6/00

Medicinal preparation characterised by physical form

A61K 9/00

Deodorisation of air

A61L 9/00

Therapeutic activity

A61P 17/00

Compounds per se

C01, C07, C08, C12N

Essential oils or perfumes per-se

C11B 9/00

Bar soap

C11D 17/0047

Dyeing of wool

D06P 3/14

Special rules of classification

The last place rule is not applicable in this subclass.

This subclass is always combined with the subclass A61K 8/00 and can be further classified in A61K 2800/00 and/or A61Q.

Properties of cosmetic compositions or active ingredients thereof or formulation aids used therein and process related aspects

A61K 2800/00 and subgroups

The Indexing symbols of this scheme are to be used mainly with classification A61K 8/00 and A61Q and is considered to be obligatory supplementary classification of subject matter already classified in A61K 8/00 and A61Q if applicable.

Compositions or compounds characterised by specific properties

A61Q

This subclass is considered as additional information (**), i.e. obligatory supplementary classification of subject matter already classified in A61K 8/00 and A61Q if applicable. This subclass concerns cosmetic uses which are indicated as eventual application(s) for the composition, see Example II.

Example I: general cosmetic use.

Some patent documents are concerned with general formulation problems like viscosity or specific preparations (i.e. suspensions or gels), i.e. no specific cosmetic use is thus foreseen. In those cases, classification is made in A61Q 19/00.

Example II: principal or additional use(s).

A skin moisturising composition which is further used in a anti-ageing preparation or as lip cream, would be classified in A61Q 19/00 and as additional information in A61Q 19/08 or A61Q 19/001.

A skin moisturising composition which is further used in an anti-ageing preparation or as lip cream, would be classified in A61Q 19/00 and as additional information in A61Q 19/08 or A61Q 19/001.

If the active is a new sunscreen and an anti-ageing preparation which contains this new compound is exemplified, it should be classified in A61Q 17/04 and as additional information in A61Q 19/08.

If the active is a compound to condition the hair and a shampoo or a colouring composition (non-permanent hair dyeing containing direct dyes) is exemplified, it should be classified in A61Q 5/12 and as additional information A61Q 5/02 and A61Q 5/065.

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

(*) Core of the invention

Compounds in the composition or specific form (example: emulsion, foam) linked to the effect aimed. This means that not all compounds present in a composition are classified. To classify a document, the claims, the description and the examples have to be checked. Only specific components, i.e. those present in the exemplified compositions, are classified not a general concept or a general formula.

(**) Principal use vs. additional use

The principal use is linked to the effect intended in the document and is classified in A61Q. In the claims or examples further uses or types of compositions are often described which should be classified in A61Q. For example: a mixture of compounds is directed to an anti-aging purpose (A61Q 19/08) which is further introduced in sunscreen composition (A61Q 17/04).

Make-up preparations; Body powders; Preparations for removing make-up
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are intended to be topically applied to adorn, groom, absorb or to remove unwanted skin preparations.

Preparations containing skin colorants, e.g. pigments (preparations in powder form A61Q 1/12)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Foundation ("fond de teint") .

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Foundations (i.e."fond de teint")

A61Q 1/12

for lips
Definition statement

This place covers:

Lips gloss.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Preparations for the lips, e.g. lip gloss

A61Q 19/001

for cheeks, e.g. rouge
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for the cheeks, e.g. blush.

for eyes, e.g. eyeliner, mascara
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for eye lashes, eye brows or eye shadows.

Face or body powders for grooming, adorning or absorbing
Definition statement

This place covers:

Foundations powders; Compact powders.

Manicure or pedicure preparations
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are topically applied to artificial or natural nails of the hands or feet for adorning, treating, fortifying, removing nail cuticles, or removing unwanted nail preparations.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Artificial nails are classified in per se

A45D 31/00

Special rules of classification

Compositions for the in situ formation of artificial nails should be classified in A61K 8/02 together with the appropriate Indexing Code under A61K 2800/00.

Nail coatings
Definition statement

This place covers:

Nail coatings, nail enamels, nail gloss.

Preparations for care of the hair
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations applied to the hair or scalp for for grooming, adorning, protecting, or otherwise treating.

Preparations for cleaning the hair
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for cleansing the hair, e.g. shampoo.

Special rules of classification

Conditioning shampoos should be classified in A61Q 5/02 and also in A61Q 5/12.

Preparations for permanent waving or straightening the hair
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for relaxing or curling the hair

{Preparations for temporary colouring the hair, e.g. direct dyes}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations containing only direct dyes without the addition of any oxidation dye.

Special rules of classification

Hair dye compositions containing a direct dye and an oxidising agent, "lightening compositions" ("compositions éclaircissante") should be classified in A61Q 5/065 together with the Indexing Code A61K 2800/434.

Preparations for bleaching the hair
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for removing dyes from the hair.

Preparations for permanently dyeing the hair
Definition statement

This place covers:

Repigmentation of hair; Decorative depot; White hair dying ("Canitie").

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dyeing of wool

D06P 3/14

Special rules of classification

Hair dye compositions containing an oxidation dye and further a direct dye should be classified in A61Q 5/10 .

Preparations containing hair conditioners
Special rules of classification

Conditioning shampoos should be classified in A61Q 5/12 and also in A61Q 5/02.

Preparations for inhibiting or slowing hair growth
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations against hirsutism.

Preparations for removing hair or for aiding hair removal
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are applied topically to induce hair removal or to assist in the easier removal of hair.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

After shaves

A61Q 19/002

Shaving preparations
Definition statement

This place covers:

Pre-shaving preparations.

Depilatories
Definition statement

This place covers:

Epilation and depilation preparations.

Preparations for care of the teeth, of the oral cavity or of dentures; Dentifrices, e.g. toothpastes; Mouth rinses
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for maintaining hygiene of the mouth and teeth and for enhancing the appearance of the teeth, e.g. compositions for whitening or bleaching teeth.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Dentistry, apparatus and method for oral or dental hygiene

A61C

Preparations for dentistry

A61K 6/00

Abrasives per se

C09K 3/14

Formulations or additives for perfume preparations (essential oils or perfumes per se C11B 9/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations containing perfume and additives to improve the longevity or intensity or to stabilize a perfuming compound, e.g. aromatherapy.

Anti-perspirants or body deodorants (deodorisation of air A61L 9/00)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are topically applied to the body to inhibit or decrease perspiration or to neutralize, by other than a masking effect,, the odor caused by perspiration or to neutralize perspiration odor by action on a microorganism.

Barrier preparations; Preparations brought into direct contact with the skin for affording protection against external influences, e.g. sunlight, X-rays or other harmful rays, corrosive materials, bacteria or insect stings
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are topically applied to the skin to prevent or decrease the harmful effects of the environment, e.g. chemical irritants.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

For treating wounds, ulcers, burns, scars, keloids, or the like

A61P 17/02

Chemical means for combating harmful chemical agents

A62D 3/00

{Antimicrobial preparations}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are topically applied to the skin to eliminate or decrease the presence of microorganisms on the body, e.g. hand disinfection products.

Special rules of classification

Antimicrobial washing compositions should be classified in A61Q 17/005 together with A61Q 19/10.

containing insect repellants
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations which are topically applied to the skin to eliminate or repel the presence of insects on or around the body, e.g. anti-lice compositions.

Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations
Definition statement

This place covers:

Compositions comprising ultraviolet filters for protection of skin and hair;

Protection against IR, X-Rays or other radiation.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Cosmetic post-treatment of sun damage

A61Q 19/004

Preparations for treating ageing of skin and hair due to free radical action

A61Q 19/08

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Compositions for chemically tanning the skin e.g. containing dihydroxyacetone

A61Q 19/04

Special rules of classification

Preparations for treating skin and hair damage due to free radical action from external sources, e.g. sun damage, should be classified in A61Q 17/04 together with the Indexing Code A61K 2800/522

Preparations for care of the skin
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for improving the barrier function; Preparations to treat wrinkles which have not been originated by aging, e.g. due to lack of sebum, e.g. moisturising.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Preparations to treat wrinkles which have been originated by ageing

A61Q 19/08

Artificial skin

A61F 2/105, A61L 27/60

Anti-acne compositions

A61P 17/10

Special rules of classification

Peeling and exfoliating compositions should be classified in A61Q 19/00 together with the Indexing Code A61K 2800/28.

{Preparations for care of the lips}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Compositions for care of the lips which comprise no skin colorant.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Lip care compositions comprising colorants

A61Q 19/04, A61Q 19/06.

{Aftersun preparations}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Cosmetic post-treatment of sun damages.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Barrier preparations, e.g. for preventing or avoiding sun damages

A61Q 17/04

{Preparations for sensitive skin}
Definition statement

This place covers:

Baby care products; Products for application around the eyes or in the genital area, e.g. compositions for treating "regions périnéofessières" e.g. compositions for treating perino anal regions and buttocks.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Medical preparations for treatment of the urogenital system

A61K 9/0034

for chemically bleaching or whitening the skin
Definition statement

This place covers:

Compositions against blotchiness or mottling; Preparations for treating age spots.

Special rules of classification

Tattoo removing compositions should be classified in

A61Q 19/02 together with the appropriate Indexing Code under A61K 2800/00.

for chemically tanning the skin (topical sun or radiation screening or tanning preparations A61Q 17/04)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for changing the skin colour.

for countering cellulitis
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparations for reducing the appearance of cellulite, i.e., dimpled fat deposits under the skin, e.g. slimming compositions.

Anti-ageing preparations
Definition statement

This place covers:

Preparation to treat wrinkles (all types of wrinkles); Preparations for treating skin and hair ageing due to free radical action.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Preparations for treating age spots

A61Q 19/02

Special rules of classification

Preparations for treating ageing of skin and hair due to free radical action should be classified in A61Q 19/08 together with the Indexing Code A61K 2800/522.

Washing or bathing preparations
Definition statement

This place covers:

Cleansing compositions; Scrubbing compositions e.g. exfoliation products.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Soap bars

C11D 17/0047

Special rules of classification

Scrubbing compositions should be classified in A61Q 19/00 .

Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations for specific uses not provided for in other groups of this subclass
Special rules of classification

No document should be classified in this subgroup.