Why classes matter
Every trademark application has to name the class or classes it covers, and this step can feel confusing at first. The Nice Agreement groups all goods and services into 45 classes, which gives a broad map of the different areas of commerce. Picking the right ones does more than improve your chances of approval. It also puts you in a stronger position to act against future infringers.
How to choose your classes
- Start with your core business. Describe the products or services you offer as clearly as you can, then find the class that fits them best.
- Look at your other activities. Once you have your main class, think about the rest of what your business does. Add as many classes as you need to cover the rights you want to secure.
- Think ahead. Companies often work across several areas so they can stay flexible in the market. Choose classes that match your long-term goals, not just what you do today.
Defining your goods or services
The classes you can select depend on how you describe your goods or services in the application. After you define them, look for at least one class that matches your business description. Then check for overlapping classes that could also describe what you offer, and consider coordinated classes as well. The class or classes you end up choosing can have a major impact on whether your application is approved or rejected.
Need a shortcut?
You can also find your class number with our Trademark Class Search tool.