When filing a trademark application, it’s important to understand trademark classes. These classes categorize goods and services based on their nature and help ensure proper protection for your brand. Understanding trademark classes and the Nice Classification system are essential when filing a trademark application, as they determine the scope of protection for your brand.
What are Trademark Classes?
Trademark classes, also known as Nice classes, are a classification system used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration purposes. The classification system was developed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and is known as the Nice Classification. It helps streamline the trademark registration process and ensures that trademarks are protected in relevant areas of business activity.
The Nice Classification System
The Nice Classification system consists of 45 classes, with 34 classes designated for goods and 11 classes for services. Each class represents a distinct category of goods or services. The system is hierarchical, with broader categories at the class level and more specific categories at the subclass level.
List of Trademark Classes
Class 1-34: Goods
Class 1: Chemicals and Chemical Products
- Industrial chemicals, chemical substances, chemical preparations, etc.
Class 2: Paints, Coatings, and Pigments
- Paints, varnishes, dyes, colorants, pigments, etc.
Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Preparations
- Soaps, perfumes, cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning and polishing preparations, etc.
Class 4: Fuels, Industrial Oils, and Lubricants
- Fuels, industrial oils, greases, lubricants, candles, etc.
Class 5: Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
- Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations, medical supplies, dental preparations, dietary supplements, etc.
Class 6: Metals and Metal Goods
- Common metals, metal building materials, hardware, pipes, tubes, etc.
Class 7: Machinery and Machine Tools
- Machines, machine tools, engines, motors, pumps, etc.
Class 8: Hand Tools and Implements
- Hand tools, cutlery, side arms, razors, hand-operated implements, etc.
Class 9: Scientific and Technological Instruments
- Scientific, research, and technological instruments, software, computer hardware, electronic devices, etc.
Class 10: Medical and Surgical Instruments
- Surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary instruments, artificial limbs, orthopedic articles, etc.
Class 11: Appliances, Lighting, and Heating
- Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, drying, water supply, air conditioning, etc.
Class 12: Vehicles and Conveyances
- Vehicles, apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water, bicycles, motors for land vehicles, trailers, etc.
Class 13: Firearms and Explosives
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, hunting and sporting articles, etc.
Class 14: Jewelry and Precious Metals
- Precious metals and their alloys, jewelry, precious stones, horological instruments, etc.
Class 15: Musical Instruments
- Musical instruments, musical stands and accessories, musical boxes, etc.
Class 16: Paper and Stationery
- Paper, cardboard, printed matter, books, office supplies, stationery, adhesives, etc.
Class 17: Rubber, Plastic, and Insulating Materials
- Rubber, gutta-percha, asbestos, plastics, packing and insulating materials, sealing and adhesive tapes, etc.
Class 18: Leather and Leather Goods
- Leather, imitations of leather, bags, wallets, luggage, animal skins, trunks, umbrellas, etc.
Class 19: Building Materials and Non-Metallic Elements
- Building materials, non-metallic rigid pipes, asphalt, pitch, monuments, non-metallic transportable buildings, etc.
Class 20: Furniture and Articles Not Otherwise Classified
- Furniture, mirrors, picture frames, containers, not of metal, bedding, cushions, etc.
Class 21: Household Utensils and Containers
- Household or kitchen utensils, glassware, porcelain, earthenware, brushes, combs, cleaning instruments, etc.
Class 22: Ropes, Cordage, and Nets
- Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, sails, sacks, bags, padding materials, etc.
Class 23: Yarns and Threads
- Yarns and threads for textile use, cotton, silk, synthetic fibers, embroidery threads, etc.
Class 24: Textiles and Fabrics
- Textiles, bed and table covers, textile piece goods, curtains, blankets, towels, textile fibers, etc.
Class 25: Clothing, Footwear, and Headgear
- Clothing, footwear, headgear, belts, gloves, scarves, shirts, shoes, hats, etc.
Class 26: Lace, Ribbons, and Embroidery
- Lace and embroidery, ribbons, buttons, hooks and eyes, artificial flowers, hair accessories, etc.
Class 27: Carpets, Rugs, and Mats
- Carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum, wall hangings, floor coverings, non-textile wall coverings, etc.
Class 28: Games, Toys, and Sporting Goods
- Games, toys, playthings, sporting articles, gymnastic and sporting equipment, puzzles, video game consoles, etc.
Class 29: Meat, Fish, and Processed Food Products
- Meat, fish, poultry, preserved, dried, and cooked fruits and vegetables, jellies, milk products, edible oils, etc.
Class 30: Coffee, Tea, and Food Ingredients
- Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, flour, bakery products, spices, sauces, condiments, ice, etc.
Class 31: Natural Agricultural Products
- Agricultural, horticultural, and forestry products, grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, live animals, etc.
Class 32: Beers, Non-Alcoholic Beverages, and Fruit Juices
- Beers, mineral and aerated waters, non-alcoholic beverages, fruit juices, syrups, energy drinks, etc.
Class 33: Wines and Spirits
- Wines, spirits, liqueurs, alcoholic beverages (excluding beers), alcoholic cocktail mixes, etc.
Class 34: Tobacco and Smoking Products
- Tobacco, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, electronic cigarettes, matches, lighters, smoking accessories, etc.
Class 35-45: Services
Class 35: Advertising, Business, and Retail Services
- Advertising, business management, retail services, online retail store services, business consulting, etc.
Class 36: Insurance and Financial Services
- Insurance, financial affairs, banking services, real estate services, credit card services, investment services, etc.
Class 37: Building Construction and Repair Services
- Building construction, repair, installation services, maintenance and repair of vehicles, machinery, equipment, etc.
Class 38: Telecommunications Services
- Telecommunications, mobile and wireless communication services, broadcasting, electronic transmission of data, etc.
Class 39: Transportation and Storage Services
- Transportation, packaging and storage of goods, travel arrangement, courier services, warehousing, cargo services, etc.
Class 40: Treatment of Materials Services
- Treatment of materials, custom manufacturing services, metalworking, recycling, engraving, textile treatment services, etc.
Class 41: Education, Training, and Entertainment Services
- Education, training, entertainment services, sporting and cultural activities, organizing conferences and exhibitions, providing online educational content, etc.
Class 42: Scientific, Technological, and Design Services
- Scientific and technological research, design and development of computer hardware and software, industrial analysis, legal services, graphic design, etc.
Class 43: Hospitality and Food Services
- Services for providing food and drink, restaurants, cafes, hotels, catering, bar services, reservation services, etc.
Class 44: Medical, Beauty, and Agricultural Services
- Medical services, veterinary services, beauty treatments, agriculture, horticulture, landscaping services, animal breeding, etc.
Class 45: Legal and Security Services
- Legal services, security services, personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals, licensing services, private investigation services, etc.
By familiarizing yourself with the 45 trademark classes and the examples provided, you can better understand which class(es) are relevant to your goods or services. Proper classification ensures that your trademark is protected in the areas where it matters most. Remember, consulting with a trademark attorney or professional is highly recommended to ensure accurate classification and successful registration of your trademark. Have questions? Contact BuzzLaw today to protect your brand!
