Understanding Trademarks by Class
When it comes to registering a trademark, one of the most crucial steps is determining which class or classes the trademark falls under. Trademarks by class are a way to organize goods or services associated with a trademark, as determined by the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks.
There are 45 classes of trademarks in total, divided into 34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services. Each class has a unique number and description that specifies the type of goods or services it covers. In this article, we'll explore the concept of trademarks by class, their importance, and provide a guide on how to select the right classes for your trademark.
What are Trademarks by Class?
Trademarks by class are a systematic way of categorizing goods or services associated with a trademark. The classification system is based on the Nice Agreement, which is an international agreement that provides a standardized system for classifying goods and services. The Nice Agreement was adopted in 1957 and has undergone several revisions over the years, with the most recent version being the Nice Classification, Thirteenth Edition, version 2026 (NCL 13-2026).
Each class of trademark has a specific number and description that specifies the type of goods or services it covers. For example, Class 09 covers "Scientific and philosophical publications, documentation, music and sheet music, films, audio and video recordings and computer programs." Class 33, on the other hand, covers "Land vehicles; automotive vehicles and their parts; vehicle accessories; and parts and accessories for land vehicles."
