What the classes are
Every trademark application lists the goods and services the mark will be used for, grouped into classes. The international Nice Classification has 45 classes: 1 to 34 cover goods and 35 to 45 cover services. Protection follows the classes and the wording you file, so choosing them well matters as much as choosing the mark.
Not sure where your business fits? Describe what you sell in the trademark search and it will suggest classes for you.
All 45 classes
- 1Chemicals for industry, science and agricultureExamples: chemical, chemicals, fertiliser, fertilizer, adhesive, glue
- 2Paints, varnishes, lacquers and colorantsExamples: paint, paints, varnish, lacquer, dye, ink
- 3Cosmetics, perfumery and cleaning preparationsExamples: cosmetic, cosmetics, perfume, fragrance, soap, shampoo
- 4Industrial oils, greases, fuels and candlesExamples: oil, lubricant, grease, fuel, petrol, diesel
- 5Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparationsExamples: pharmaceutical, medicine, drug, vitamin, supplement, vaccine
- 6Common metals and metal goodsExamples: metal, steel, iron, aluminium, aluminum, pipe
- 7Machines, machine tools, motors and enginesExamples: machine, machinery, engine, motor, pump, compressor
- 8Hand tools and implements, cutleryExamples: tool, tools, cutlery, knife, razor, scissors
- 9Scientific, electronic and computer apparatus, softwareExamples: software, app, application, computer, electronic, phone
- 10Medical, surgical and dental apparatusExamples: medical, surgical, dental, device, instrument, syringe
- 11Lighting, heating, cooling, cooking and sanitary apparatusExamples: lamp, lighting, led, heater, air, conditioner
- 12VehiclesExamples: vehicle, car, automobile, truck, bicycle, motorcycle
- 13Firearms, ammunition, explosives and fireworksExamples: firearm, ammunition, explosive, firework
- 14Precious metals, jewellery and watchesExamples: jewellery, jewelry, gold, silver, watch, watches
- 15Musical instrumentsExamples: music, musical, instrument, guitar, piano
- 16Paper, printed matter and stationeryExamples: paper, printed, book, magazine, stationery, pen
- 17Rubber, plastics and insulating materialsExamples: rubber, plastic, insulation, insulating, hose, seal
- 18Leather goods, luggage, bags and umbrellasExamples: leather, bag, bags, handbag, luggage, wallet
- 19Non-metallic building materialsExamples: cement, concrete, brick, tile, glass, building
- 20Furniture, mirrors and picture framesExamples: furniture, chair, table, sofa, mirror, mattress
- 21Household and kitchen utensils, glassware and porcelainExamples: kitchen, utensil, cookware, glassware, porcelain, cup
- 22Ropes, tents, sails, sacks and raw fibrous materialsExamples: rope, tent, sail, sack, net
- 23Yarns and threads for textile useExamples: yarn, thread
- 24Textiles, household linen, bed and table coversExamples: textile, fabric, linen, towel, curtain, bedding
- 25Clothing, footwear and headwearExamples: clothing, clothes, apparel, fashion, shoes, footwear
- 26Lace, ribbons, buttons and haberdasheryExamples: lace, ribbon, button, zipper, hair, accessory
- 27Carpets, rugs, mats and wall hangingsExamples: carpet, carpets, rug, rugs, mat
- 28Games, toys and sporting goodsExamples: toy, toys, game, games, sport, sporting
- 29Meat, fish, dairy, preserved foods and edible oilsExamples: meat, fish, dairy, milk, cheese, yogurt
- 30Coffee, tea, bakery, confectionery and staple foodsExamples: coffee, tea, bread, bakery, chocolate, sweets
- 31Agricultural products, fresh fruit and vegetables, live animalsExamples: fruit, vegetable, fresh, seed, plant, flower
- 32Beers, soft drinks and mineral watersExamples: beer, juice, soft, drink, water, mineral
- 33Alcoholic beverages (except beers)Examples: wine, spirits, liquor, alcoholic
- 34Tobacco and smokers' articlesExamples: tobacco, cigarette, cigar, vape, hookah, shisha
- 35Advertising, business management and retail servicesExamples: advertising, marketing, retail, shop, store, ecommerce
- 36Insurance, financial and real estate servicesExamples: insurance, bank, banking, finance, financial, investment
- 37Construction, repair and installation servicesExamples: construction, building, repair, installation, maintenance
- 38TelecommunicationsExamples: telecom, telecommunications, internet, broadcasting, messaging, network
- 39Transport, packaging, storage and travel arrangementExamples: transport, logistics, shipping, delivery, storage, travel
- 40Treatment of materials and custom manufacturingExamples: manufacturing, printing, processing, treatment, recycling
- 41Education, training, entertainment and sporting activitiesExamples: education, school, training, course, entertainment, event
- 42Scientific, technological and IT services, software designExamples: it, saas, cloud, software, development, design
- 43Food and drink services, temporary accommodationExamples: restaurant, cafe, catering, hotel, accommodation, food
- 44Medical, beauty, agricultural and veterinary servicesExamples: clinic, hospital, medical, beauty, salon, spa
- 45Legal, security, personal and social servicesExamples: legal, law, lawyer, security, dating, personal
Choosing classes wisely
File in the classes that cover what you sell today and what you realistically plan to sell. A software company might need Class 9 for downloadable apps and Class 42 for software as a service; a café brand selling packaged coffee might need Class 30 and Class 43. Retail and online shop services usually fall in Class 35.
Think too about neighbouring classes where a competitor's similar mark could cause confusion. A comprehensive search checks related classes as well as your own, so you know where conflicts may come from.