A major element of operating a successful company is protecting your brand and intellectual property. The first essential component of this protection is trademark registration – determining the class of your trademark. Understanding and picking out the proper class is needed to protect your trademark and to keep it adequately protected from infringement. This blog can assist you to decide which class is needed for trademark registration, what trademark classifications are and how the classification system functions.
What are Trademark Classes?
A trademark class describes goods and services for trademark registration. This Classification system was established by WIPO and is called the Nice classification. It has 45 classes, of which classes 1 to 34 cover goods and 35 to 45 cover services. Each class determines a class of services or goods and choosing the correct class is essential to trademark protection.
Why Is Identifying the Correct Class Important?
This is why identifying the correct Trademark class is essential:
- Keeping Conflicts Away: A trademark class search identifies existing trademarks which conflict with your proposed mark and helps avoid expensive legal disputes.
- Successful Registration: The right class assigns a higher chance of registration. Accurate classification reduces the risk of rejection by the trademark office.
- Protection of Brand Identity: Registering your mark in the proper class safeguards your brand in your industry and also enables you to operate safely.
- Market Expansion: A well classified trademark also enables you to move into brand new product or service categories under the mark as your business grows.
The Best Way to Identify Your Proper Trademark Class
There is how you can identify the proper Trademark class for your product or service:
- Identify Your Goods or Services: Define what services or goods your trademark will represent. Be specific with regards to the kind and usage of your services or products.
- Using a Trademark Class Finder Tool: Tools like the Trademark type Finder will enable you to figure out the appropriate Class depending on a description of your products or services.
- See the Nice Classification: Look at the Nice Classification list for subcategories of services and goods.
- Seek Professional Advice: In case you have questions regarding the classification, speak to a trademark attorney or an experienced trademark registration firm like StartupFino.
Overview of Trademark Classes
The following table provides an overview of the trademark classes, categorizing a wide range of goods and services to streamline the trademark registration process:
Trademark Classification of Goods
| Class | Description |
| 1 | Chemicals used in various industries and scientific fields, including unprocessed plastics and substances for food preservation. |
| 2 | Paints, varnishes, and wood preservatives; colorants; metal foils and powders for arts. |
| 3 | Cleaning and polishing preparations; soaps; perfumery and cosmetics; hair lotions. |
| 4 | Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; fuels; candles and wicks. |
| 5 | Pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, sanitary preparations, and dietetic foods. |
| 6 | Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; small hardware items; metal pipes and tubes. |
| 7 | Machines and machine tools; agricultural implements; incubators for eggs. |
| 8 | Hand-operated tools and implements; cutlery; razors. |
| 9 | Scientific, electric, and photographic apparatus; data processing equipment and computers. |
| 10 | Medical and veterinary apparatus; artificial limbs and teeth; orthopedic articles. |
| 11 | Lighting, heating, cooking, refrigerating, and ventilating apparatus. |
| 12 | Vehicles and apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water. |
| 13 | Firearms; ammunition; explosives; fireworks. |
| 14 | Precious metals and jewelry; timepieces. |
| 15 | Musical instruments. |
| 16 | Paper goods; printed matter; office supplies; packaging materials. |
| 17 | Rubber and plastic goods; insulating materials; flexible pipes. |
| 18 | Leather goods; luggage and bags; umbrellas; walking sticks. |
| 19 | Non-metallic building materials; rigid pipes; transportable buildings; monuments. |
| 20 | Furniture; mirrors; picture frames; non-metallic goods. |
| 21 | Household and kitchen utensils; combs and sponges; glassware; earthenware. |
| 22 | Ropes; nets; tents; awnings; sacks and bags; padding materials. |
| 23 | Yarns and threads for textiles. |
| 24 | Textiles and textile goods; bed and table covers. |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headgear. |
| 26 | Lace and embroidery; ribbons; buttons; artificial flowers. |
| 27 | Carpets, rugs, mats; wall hangings (non-textile). |
| 28 | Games and playthings; sports equipment; decorations for Christmas trees. |
| 29 | Meat, fish, poultry; preserved, dried, and cooked fruits and vegetables; dairy products; oils and fats. |
| 30 | Coffee, tea, cocoa; bread, pastry, and confectionery; spices; ice. |
| 31 | Agricultural products; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds; animal foodstuffs. |
| 32 | Beverages, including beers, mineral and aerated waters, and fruit juices. |
| 33 | Alcoholic beverages (except beers). |
| 34 | Tobacco; smokers’ articles; matches. |
Trademark Classification of Services
| Class | Description |
| 35 | Advertising, business management, business administration, office functions. |
| 36 | Insurance, financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs. |
| 37 | Building construction; repair; installation services. |
| 38 | Telecommunications. |
| 39 | Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement. |
| 40 | Treatment of materials. |
| 41 | Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities. |
| 42 | Scientific, design and technological services; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software. |
| 43 | Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation. |
| 44 | Medical services, veterinary services, hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services. |
| 45 | Legal services; security services for the protection of property and individuals; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals. |
Conclusion
Finding the appropriate class for trademark registration is a major step in safeguarding your brand and intellectual property. Understanding the Nice Classification system and using tools like the trademark Class Finder can help you categorize your Trademark for registration and protection.
FAQs
How to identify class for trademark?
To locate the right class for your trademark, define your services or goods clearly, use a trademark class finder tool and also consult the Nice Classification list. Seek professional advice if necessary for proper classification.
What’s class registration in trademarks?
Class registration of trademarks means placing your services or products in one of 45 classes defined by the Nice Classification system, therefore protecting your trademark in that industry category.
How can I find my trademark type?
Your trademark type is usually identified by its form – word mark, logo, slogan or combination of components. Consider what sets your brand apart and is used for identifying and branding.
How can I pick a trademark?
Pick a distinctive, recognizable trademark which identifies your brand. Make it unique and not descriptive of your services or products, and search to stay away from infringement by other trademarks.
What trademark should I make use of R or TM?
Utilize “TM” for trademarks not yet registered but claimed. When your trademark is registered, use “R.”
