Nice Classification Putting Your Brand on the Right Map
Every successful brand has a clear identity, but not every brand is protected in the right place.
When registering a trademark, many businesses focus on what they are protecting: a wordmark, a logo, or a slogan. Fewer consider where that protection applies. This is precisely where the Nice Classification plays a decisive role.
Think of the Nice Classification as a global map that determines the territory in which your trademark lives and operates.
The Nice Classification is an internationally accepted system used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration. Established under the Nice Agreement, it is applied by trademark offices in more than 150 jurisdictions worldwide.
The system is structured into 45 classes:
- Classes 1–34 cover goods
- Classes 35–45 cover services
Each trademark must be registered in the class or classes that accurately reflect the business activities it represents.
Registering a trademark without the correct class is like opening a store without securing the right premises. You may have a name on the door, but no real control over the space.
Proper classification helps to Clearly define the legal coverage of a trademark, avoid conflicts with existing trademarks, Support enforcement actions against infringers and Align trademark protection with business strategy and future growth.
How Brands Fit into the Nice Classification
Consider how different businesses occupy different “zones” on the trademark map:
- A fashion label belongs in Class 25, protecting clothing and footwear.
- A restaurant or hospitality brand operates in Class 43, covering food and beverage services.
- A technology company may require Class 9 for software products and Class 42 for development and IT services.
Modern businesses rarely fit into just one category. Many require multi-class protection to reflect their full commercial reality.
Updates to the Nice Classification
The Nice Classification is updated periodically to reflect changes in commerce and technology. New goods and services, particularly in areas such as digital platforms, software, and emerging technologies are regularly introduced.
As a result, professional guidance is essential to ensure that trademarks remain aligned with current classifications and regulatory requirements
How to Avoid Errors in classifications:
- Correct application of the Nice Classification is essential to effective trademark protection. Classification must reflect the actual goods and services offered, not the business name or general industry.
- Trademark protection is limited to what is expressly stated. Overly broad or inaccurate descriptions may weaken enforceability, while overly narrow coverage may restrict future growth.
- Businesses operating across multiple activities should consider multi-class registration to ensure comprehensive protection.
- Given the evolving nature of the Nice Classification, professional review prior to filing is strongly recommended to avoid costly errors and ensure long-term protection.
Finally, a trademark is not just a registration, it is a business asset and choosing the right classification ensures that your brand is protected where it truly matters.
Getting the classification right is not about memorizing class numbers it is about understanding your business and protecting it accordingly.
Written by our Paralegal: Ms. Nada Mohamed.
