International Trademark Classification of Goods and Services

International Trademark Classification of Goods and Services

Author: Ian Aldridge, Progressive Legal

On this page we discuss what the international trademark classification of goods is, how to choose the right international classification of goods, and the benefits of using these classifications.

Your Australian and international trade mark registrations will only protect your trademark in relation to the goods and services that you’ve identified in your application. As you cannot expand  the specification of goods and services once you’ve applied for your trade mark, and a new application will be required to add any additional goods or services to your scope of protection, it’s important to get the classification right at the start.

What is the trademark international classification of goods?

The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) provides the main international trade mark classes by specifying all goods and services into 45 classes. This is called the Nice Classification (NCL).

The NCL, established by the Nice Agreement (1957), is an international classification of goods and services applied for the registration of marks.  A new edition is published annually and the latest version can be accessed here.

There are 45 classes that cover all goods and services, and each class can cover a wide range of goods or services.  Classes 1-34 are for goods, classes 35-45 are for services.

How to choose the correct trademark international classification of goods?

WIPO has created a useful tool called the Madrid Goods & Services Manager to help choose the trademark classes that you need.

To find the classes you need, you simply use the search tab and enter the goods and services you provide individually.

To compile a list of goods and services in the classes you require, you can select the terms that apply and continue doing so until you have covered all the goods and/or services you’re providing using the brand that you’re applying for.

TIP: If you specify the search to “NICE only”, you will only get results that are included in the latest NCL.

It is crucial that you list the correct classification of goods and services at the time of filing, because your trade mark registration will only protect your trade mark for the goods and services that you’ve identified on your application.

What are the benefits of using the trademark international classification of goods?

The international trademark classification of goods and services is the most widely used classification system when applying for trademark rights, and is used to distinguish your trademark from others in the market.

By using the NCL, being the pre-approved international classification of goods and services, it will be easier to convert your national trade mark to an international trade mark as the same classification system is used by most other countries and many approve the use of the goods and services as they are listed in the NCL.

A trade mark registration in the wrong class for the wrong goods and services (or insufficient goods and services) is not going to serve you well.

Are you unsure what classes to apply for and in need of some assistance?

At Progressive Legal we get to know your business and provide advice on which trade mark classes are needed to protect your brand. All you have to do is to fill out our contact form or call our office to talk to one of our trademark experts.

Do you need help with the international classification of goods?

Please get in touch with us today via phone or the contact form on this page.

1800 820 083