A Practical Guide to Trademark Classes
The categories of goods and services used to organize trademark registrations, based on the international Nice Classification.
Priya Raghunathan
Why does it matter?
A trademark is registered for specific classes, so choosing them carefully determines what the registration covers and what it costs.
What are the numbers?
- Nice Classification divides goods and services into 45 classes
- Goods and services classes 1 to 34 cover goods and classes 35 to 45 cover services
- Fees USPTO filing fees are charged per class
- ID Manual the USPTO publishes acceptable descriptions of goods and services
What should I do?
- List current and planned products before filing
- Use acceptable descriptions from the ID Manual
- File in the classes that match real use
- Check competitors' classes during searches
- Review classes when expanding into new products
What should I avoid?
Avoid:
- Filing in classes you will never use
- Vague descriptions that get refused
- Missing classes for core services
- Assuming one class covers everything
When should I get help?
Short answer Bring in help when a brand spans several product lines.
Where this comes from
- World Intellectual Property Organization — Nice Classification
- United States Patent and Trademark Office — Trademark ID Manual
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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