The typology is based on the examination of 10 different aspects of the official free mark design and classifies marks into categories, groups, types, and varieties. The basis of differentiation is illustrated in a table to allow classification into types. The process of classification is sequential with differences in the initial characteristics creating broad classes of marks that are further refined as one moves down through the process.
While this differentiation allows the description of various general types, there is little regulation of the shapes and characteristics of the marks, making each one more or less unique. Therefore, a review of the listings is essential to determine whether a mark has been classified or not.