How to Choose the Right Class for Your Trademark: A Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the right classes for your trademark application is an important part of protecting your brand. The classes you choose will determine the scope of protection your trademark will have, and will also affect the cost of registering your trademark.

In general, trademarks are classified into 45 different classes under the Nice Classification system, which is used worldwide. These classes cover a wide range of goods and services, and each class represents a distinct category of goods or services. This video will Get you expert guidance on how to choose the right class for your trademark. 

What are trademark classes? 

Trademark classes, also known as Nice classes, are a system for categorizing goods and services for the purpose of registering trademarks. The Nice Classification system was established by the Nice Agreement, an international treaty that provides a standardized system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration purposes. 

Why are there trademark classes? 

Trademark classification serves two functions: it provides a guideline for registering trademarks, and it can help you identify potential trademark infringers. When you file your trademark application, you must select the class of goods or services that your trademark will protect, and you must also identify the goods or services you provide. Your trademark will only protect the goods, services and class that you name in your application.

How many trademark classes are there?

There are 45 trademark classes in total, with 34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services. Each class represents a distinct category of goods or services, and trademarks must be registered under one or more of these classes depending on the nature of the goods or services that the trademark covers.

What is the breakdown of the trademark classes? 

is a general overview of the 45 Nice classes:

Trademark classes covering Goods:

Class 1: Chemicals
Class 2: Paints, varnishes, and lacquers
Class 3: Cosmetics and cleaning preparations
Class 4: Industrial oils and greases
Class 5: Pharmaceuticals and veterinary preparations
Class 6: Metals and metal goods
Class 7: Machinery and machine tools
Class 8: Hand tools and implements
Class 9: Scientific, nautical, and electrical apparatus and instruments
Class 10: Medical apparatus and instruments
Class 11: Apparatus for lighting, heating, and cooking
Class 12: Vehicles
Class 13: Firearms and explosives
Class 14: Precious metals and jewelry
Class 15: Musical instruments
Class 16: Paper goods and printed matter
Class 17: Rubber goods
Class 18: Leather and leather goods
Class 19: Building materials
Class 20: Furniture and articles not otherwise classified
Class 21: Housewares and glass
Class 22: Cordage and fibers
Class 23: Yarns and threads
Class 24: Fabrics
Class 25: Clothing and footwear
Class 26: Lace and embroidery
Class 27: Floor coverings
Class 28: Toys and sporting goods
Class 29: Meats and processed foods
Class 30: Staple foods and beverages
Class 31: Agricultural and horticultural products
Class 32: Beers and non-alcoholic beverages
Class 33: Wines and spirits
Class 34: Smokers' articles

Trademark classes covering Services:

Class 35: Advertising and business services
Class 36: Insurance and financial services
Class 37: Building construction and repair services
Class 38: Telecommunications services
Class 39: Transportation and storage services
Class 40: Treatment of materials services
Class 41: Education and entertainment services
Class 42: Scientific and technological services
Class 43: Food and accommodation services
Class 44: Medical and veterinary services
Class 45: Legal and security services

By using the Nice Classification system, trademark owners can identify the specific goods or services that their trademark covers and ensure that their trademark is registered under the appropriate classes. This helps to prevent confusion and disputes between similar trademarks in different industries, and it also makes it easier for consumers to identify the source of the goods or services associated with a particular trademark.