One of the questions most people have when filing a trademark is: “what class should I register in?” The answer lies in the NICE Classification system, which organises all goods and services into 45 classes.
What is the NICE Classification?
The NICE Classification (officially the International Classification of Goods and Services) is an internationally agreed system maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). India adopted the NICE Classification under the Trade Marks Rules and currently follows the 13th Edition. Every trademark application must specify one or more classes.
The 45 classes at a glance
The 45 classes are divided into two broad groups:
- Classes 1–34: Goods — physical products ranging from chemicals and pharmaceuticals (Class 1, 5) to clothing (Class 25) and tobacco (Class 34).
- Classes 35–45: Services — from advertising and business management (Class 35) to legal services (Class 45).
Browse all 45 trademark classes →
Why the class you file in matters
Your registration protects your mark only in the class(es) you register in, for the goods or services specified. A clothing brand registered in Class 25 does not automatically prevent someone from using a similar mark in Class 35 (retail services) or Class 41 (education). This is why many larger brands file in multiple classes.
Multi-class filing
You can file one application covering multiple classes. Each class requires a separate government fee but is handled as a single professional engagement. For start-ups and MSMEs, it is worth prioritising the most critical classes and adding others over time.
Common class mistakes
- Filing only in a product class but not in retail: A brand selling clothing (Class 25) that operates a retail store should also consider Class 35 (retail services).
- Filing in the wrong class: A software company filing in Class 9 (software) but not Class 42 (software-as-a-service / technology services). SaaS typically sits in Class 42.
- Using broad specifications: Overly broad goods/services descriptions can be challenged during examination. Accurate, specific descriptions are better.
How to find your class
Describe what your business does — what goods you sell or what services you provide — and run a class recommendation. Our tool uses AI and the official NICE keyword database to suggest the most relevant class(es) for your business description. Try the free trademark availability check — class recommendation is built in.
This article is educational information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every trade mark situation is different — consult a qualified IP professional for advice specific to your brand.