Trademarks are essential for protecting your brand’s identity in the marketplace, and the International Trademark Classes (Nice Classification) play a crucial role in the trademark registration process. Established by the Nice Agreement (1957) and maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the system categorizes goods and services into 45 distinct classes. This ensures that trademarks are properly classified for their intended use.

Whether you’re registering a trademark for goods or services, understanding the classification system is vital. Below, we provide a comprehensive list of all 45 trademark classes along with their definitions.

What are International Trademark Classes?

Trademark classes organize goods and services into categories to simplify the registration process. There are:

  • 34 classes for goods (Classes 1–34)
  • 11 classes for services (Classes 35–45)
  • Too Narrow: Failing to register in related classes (e.g., beverages missing Class 30 and Class 32).
  • Too Broad: Registering irrelevant classes (e.g., registering in Class 12 for vehicles when selling clothing).
  • Ignoring Future Needs: Neglecting potential expansions into new markets or products.

Solution: Strike a balance by focusing on all relevant, realistic categories.  

5. When to Seek Professional Help. 

Trademark registration can be complex, especially for multi-class or international filings. Seek expert advice if:

  • Your products/services overlap multiple classes.
  • You operate in emerging industries with ambiguous classifications.
  • You plan to expand internationally, where class interpretations may vary.

Benefits of Professional Help:

  • Accurate classification.
  • Avoidance of application errors.
  • Long-term protection for your intellectual property.

Choosing the right trademark class is essential to securing comprehensive protection for your brand. By understanding your products and services, researching similar trademarks, and considering multi-class registrations, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your intellectual property is safeguarded. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, getting your trademark registration right from the start sets the foundation for long-term success.  

If you’re unsure about which classes to register for or need professional assistance navigating the complexities of trademark law, Filepino is here to help. Our team offers expert guidance and comprehensive trademark registration services tailored to your business’s unique needs.

… and you might just need our assistance.

We, at FilePino, a one-stop-shop business consulting firm trusted by thousands of clients for their business formation and post-formation needs, offer a comprehensive trademark registration service in the Philippines  

With our sister company, Duran & Duran-Schulze Law, we guarantee that there will be an in-house team of lawyers and trademark specialists, who can provide you with accurate information and complete guidance throughout the trademark registration process.   

Ready to register your trademark? Set up a consultation with FilePino today! Call us at (02) 8478-5826 (landline) and 0917 892 2337 (mobile) or send an email to info@filepino.com

  • Amazon: Software (Class 9), online retail (Class 35), and streaming services (Class 41).
  • Nike: Apparel (Class 25), sports equipment (Class 28), and retail stores (Class 35).

Multi-class registration offers comprehensive protection and accommodates future growth.  

4. Avoid Common Mistakes. 

Common Errors to Watch For:

  • Too Narrow: Failing to register in related classes (e.g., beverages missing Class 30 and Class 32).
  • Too Broad: Registering irrelevant classes (e.g., registering in Class 12 for vehicles when selling clothing).
  • Ignoring Future Needs: Neglecting potential expansions into new markets or products.

Solution: Strike a balance by focusing on all relevant, realistic categories.  

5. When to Seek Professional Help. 

Trademark registration can be complex, especially for multi-class or international filings. Seek expert advice if:

  • Your products/services overlap multiple classes.
  • You operate in emerging industries with ambiguous classifications.
  • You plan to expand internationally, where class interpretations may vary.

Benefits of Professional Help:

  • Accurate classification.
  • Avoidance of application errors.
  • Long-term protection for your intellectual property.

Choosing the right trademark class is essential to securing comprehensive protection for your brand. By understanding your products and services, researching similar trademarks, and considering multi-class registrations, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your intellectual property is safeguarded. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, getting your trademark registration right from the start sets the foundation for long-term success.  

If you’re unsure about which classes to register for or need professional assistance navigating the complexities of trademark law, Filepino is here to help. Our team offers expert guidance and comprehensive trademark registration services tailored to your business’s unique needs.

… and you might just need our assistance.

We, at FilePino, a one-stop-shop business consulting firm trusted by thousands of clients for their business formation and post-formation needs, offer a comprehensive trademark registration service in the Philippines  

With our sister company, Duran & Duran-Schulze Law, we guarantee that there will be an in-house team of lawyers and trademark specialists, who can provide you with accurate information and complete guidance throughout the trademark registration process.   

Ready to register your trademark? Set up a consultation with FilePino today! Call us at (02) 8478-5826 (landline) and 0917 892 2337 (mobile) or send an email to info@filepino.com