Trademark classification
We support you during your naming project in classifying your mark. If the requirements are very particular, we obtain the assistance of trademark attorneys.
TRADEMARK CLASSIFICATION.
Make the right choice.
International trademark classification is a system of classifying marks. A mark is registered in line with the trademark classification for particular goods and services. The basis for this is the “Nice Classification,” with 45 different classes for goods and services. The classification was internationally established on 15 June 1957 during a diplomatic conference in Nice, France as the “Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks.” The Federal Republic of Germany is a contracting party to this agreement.
Nice Classification
You can view the instructions for users and general notes, class headings, and the class categorization with explanatory notes at the following link.
The “Nice Classification” is revised every five years. Since 2013, there have also been annual versions. These are new entries or deletions or reformulations of existing entries.
Classes 1 through 34 contain goods and classes 35 through 42 are for services.
45 classes for goods and services
The determination of the class(es) of goods for which national or international protection of the company name, product name, or trademark is to be claimed is an important step. The decision has to be made at a very early step in the process, because as early as the creative phase of naming, name ideas are checked for availability at the agency.
If it is suspected that a name which is strongly favored might violate the existing rights of a third party or parties, the idea can be changed or discarded early during the evaluation of name ideas.
The advantage of classes of goods for trademarks is that products with the same names in different classes can exist alongside each other.