Nice Classification Explained
All 45 trademark classes at a glance — understand how Nice classes affect your brand protection.
Founder & Developer of markencheck.ai
Published March 21, 2026 · Updated August 9, 2026
Which Nice classes do you need?
Briefly describe what you offer — e.g. "SaaS accounting software" or "natural cosmetics".
What Is the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is an international system used to organize goods and services into numbered classes for trademark filings. It was established by a treaty in Nice (1957) and is managed by WIPO/EUIPO. Today it has 45 classes: 34 for goods (classes 1–34) and 11 for services (classes 35–45). Each class groups similar products or services under a general heading (for example, Class 25: Clothing or Class 42: Software services). A trademark owner must specify which specific goods/services (within these classes) the mark should cover when filing.
Classes 1–34 (Goods) and 35–45 (Services)
Goods classes (1–34): These cover products, e.g. chemicals (Class 1), machines (Class 7), computers (Class 9) or clothing (Class 25). Each class has a heading and an alphabetical list of goods. It is important to choose precise terms – not just the class heading, but specific goods. (Example: Instead of just “computer software”, you could use “downloadable computer programs for data analysis.”) Services classes (35–45): These cover service activities such as advertising (Class 35), telecommunications (Class 38) or IT services (Class 42). Software as a Service (SaaS) is explicitly listed in Class 42 (details for software companies: Nice classes for SaaS). Class 35, by contrast, covers trade and advertising services (e.g. online retail, marketing).
Choosing the Right Classes
A trademark can only be protected for the classes specified at filing. That’s why you should analyze your business model carefully: Which products or services do you offer today – and which are coming in the future? Create a list and assign each item to the appropriate classes (this is also called “mapping”). Official databases (e.g. TMclass) can help with terminology. • Core area: Essential classes without which your core business cannot operate. • Supplementary area: Additional offerings or accessories – often in adjacent classes. • Future area: Products/services that are planned – but realistically foreseeable. Important: “Only what is filed can be enforced.” Don’t rely on the class heading alone. Each class requires precise specifications. Class headings do not automatically provide full coverage. Use standard terms where possible and add custom terms only when needed.
Overview of All 45 Classes
The table below lists all 45 Nice classes with their headings and typical examples — goods in classes 1–34 and services in 35–45. Use the jump navigation or the class finder above to go straight to the class that fits your product or service. Each class also has its own detail page with statistics, examples and common mistakes in our overview of all Nice classes.
Tips & Common Mistakes
• Avoid headings only: Don’t just file the class heading – describe your goods/services precisely (e.g. “sportswear, in particular running shirts and jackets” instead of just “clothing”). • Use the current list: The Nice Classification is updated regularly. Outdated terms can lead to objections. Always use the latest version. • Watch for borderline cases: Software – distinguish whether your offering is a “downloadable product” (Class 9) or an online service (Class 42 SaaS). Another example: A fashion label that also operates an online shop might need Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (retail/wholesale, online sales) and potentially Class 42 (fashion design). Missing a relevant class can limit your protection. • Broad yet specific: Plan “as narrow as necessary, as broad as sensible.” Describe your business model realistically – overly broad filings can cause unnecessary costs and risk later cancellations. • Example problem: If you protect your mark in Class 42 (software services), there may already be the same name registered as a product mark in Class 9 (software product). Always check other relevant classes too. The Nice Classification brings structure to your trademark filing but requires precise specification. Thorough preliminary research helps you find the right classes and avoid costly mistakes. Now that you know which classes matter — start the trademark check for your desired name.
All 45 Nice Classes at a Glance
| Class | Type | Heading | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goods | Chemicals Statistics → | Industrial, photographic and agricultural chemicals |
| 2 | Goods | Paints, varnishes Statistics → | Paints, varnishes, printing inks, anti-rust preparations |
| 3 | Goods | Cosmetics, cleaning preparations Statistics → | Cosmetics, perfume, soaps, cleaning preparations |
| 4 | Goods | Oils, fuels Statistics → | Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, candles |
| 5 | Goods | Pharmaceuticals Statistics → | Pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, plasters, disinfectants |
| 6 | Goods | Common metals Statistics → | Metal building materials, hardware, metal locks |
| 7 | Goods | Machines Statistics → | Machines, machine tools, motors (not for vehicles) |
| 8 | Goods | Hand tools Statistics → | Hand-operated tools, cutlery, razors |
| 9 | Goods | Electronics & downloadable software Statistics → | Downloadable software/apps, computers, hardware, electronics |
| 10 | Goods | Medical apparatus Statistics → | Medical instruments, orthopedic articles |
| 11 | Goods | Appliances (lighting, heating) Statistics → | Lighting, heating, cooking, refrigeration, sanitary |
| 12 | Goods | Vehicles Statistics → | Vehicles, bicycles, apparatus for locomotion by land/air/water |
| 13 | Goods | Firearms, fireworks Statistics → | Firearms, ammunition, fireworks |
| 14 | Goods | Jewelry, watches Statistics → | Precious metals, jewelry, watches |
| 15 | Goods | Musical instruments Statistics → | Musical instruments and accessories |
| 16 | Goods | Paper, printed matter Statistics → | Paper, books, printed matter, stationery |
| 17 | Goods | Rubber, plastics (semi-finished) Statistics → | Rubber, seals, insulating materials |
| 18 | Goods | Leather goods, bags Statistics → | Leather, bags, luggage, umbrellas |
| 19 | Goods | Building materials (non-metallic) Statistics → | Non-metallic building materials, wood, cement |
| 20 | Goods | Furniture Statistics → | Furniture, mirrors, frames, goods of wood/plastic |
| 21 | Goods | Household utensils Statistics → | Tableware, cookware, glassware, cleaning utensils |
| 22 | Goods | Ropes, tarpaulins, raw textile fibers Statistics → | Ropes, nets, tents, tarpaulins, raw textile fibers |
| 23 | Goods | Yarns, threads Statistics → | Yarns and threads for textile use |
| 24 | Goods | Textiles, home linen Statistics → | Textiles, bed linen, blankets, curtains |
| 25 | Goods | Clothing, footwear Statistics → | Clothing, footwear, headgear |
| 26 | Goods | Lace, trimmings, buttons Statistics → | Lace, ribbons, buttons, zippers |
| 27 | Goods | Carpets, floor coverings Statistics → | Carpets, mats, floor coverings, wallpaper |
| 28 | Goods | Games, toys, sporting goods Statistics → | Games, toys, sporting and gymnastic articles |
| 29 | Goods | Meat, dairy, processed foods Statistics → | Meat, fish, dairy, preserved fruit |
| 30 | Goods | Coffee, baked goods, confectionery Statistics → | Coffee, tea, bread, pastry, chocolate, spices |
| 31 | Goods | Fresh produce, plants Statistics → | Fresh fruit/vegetables, live plants, animal feed |
| 32 | Goods | Beers, non-alcoholic drinks Statistics → | Beer, mineral water, juices, soft drinks |
| 33 | Goods | Alcoholic beverages Statistics → | Wine, spirits, liqueurs (except beer) |
| 34 | Goods | Tobacco, smokers articles Statistics → | Tobacco, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, smokers articles |
| 35 | Services | Advertising, retail, business Statistics → | Advertising, marketing, online retail/store, office functions |
| 36 | Services | Financial, insurance, real estate Statistics → | Banking, payment services, insurance, real estate |
| 37 | Services | Construction, repair, installation Statistics → | Construction, repair, installation services |
| 38 | Services | Telecommunications Statistics → | Telecommunications, providing forums/chat, streaming transmission |
| 39 | Services | Transport, logistics, travel Statistics → | Transport, logistics, storage, travel arrangement |
| 40 | Services | Material treatment Statistics → | Processing/treatment of materials, 3D printing, recycling |
| 41 | Services | Education, training, entertainment Statistics → | Education, training, coaching, events, online courses, entertainment |
| 42 | Services | SaaS, IT, science & technology Statistics → | SaaS, software development, hosting, IT services, AI/research, design |
| 43 | Services | Food services, accommodation Statistics → | Restaurants, catering, café, hotels, accommodation |
| 44 | Services | Medical & beauty care, agriculture Statistics → | Medical services, care, beauty salon, horticulture |
| 45 | Services | Legal & security services, personal services Statistics → | Legal services, security services, personal/social services |
Source: WIPO Nice Classification (11th edition). Examples abbreviated; the official classification governs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Nice classes are there?
There are 45 Nice classes: 34 for goods (classes 1–34) and 11 for services (classes 35–45).
Is SaaS in class 9 or class 42?
Software as a Service (SaaS) is class 42. Downloadable software or apps fall under class 9. Many software businesses file in both, and often add class 35 for online retail or business services.
Who administers the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is administered by WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organization) under the Nice Agreement, and is used by the EUIPO, DPMA and most trademark offices worldwide.
What is in class 45?
Class 45 covers legal services, security services, and personal or social services provided to individuals.
Can one trademark cover several classes?
Yes. A single trademark application can list multiple classes, but fees usually increase per class, and protection only extends to the classes you actually file for. How high the fee per class runs at the DPMA and EUIPO is covered in EU trademark fees 2026.
How markencheck.ai helps with class selection
Check Class 9 and 42 simultaneously — one trademark check instead of two separate register searches
Every result shows directly which classes the similar mark is registered in — no manual lookups
Phonetically similar brand names are found across classes — not just exact spellings
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