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What is the Nice classification?

Written by Jan Buza

Co-founder of Trama

The Nice Classification is the international system used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration. It was established by the Nice Agreement in 1957, is administered by WIPO, and is updated every five years. Over 150 countries apply it.

The system comprises 45 classes: Classes 1–34 cover goods (ranging from industrial chemicals in Class 1 to beer and beverages in Class 32); Classes 35–45 cover services (ranging from advertising and business management in Class 35 to legal services in Class 45). Each class has an official class heading and a list of specific goods or services recognized within it.

When filing a trademark application, the applicant selects the classes that cover their commercial activity and provides a list of specific goods or services within each selected class.

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