December 16, 2024

Hello Reader,

When it comes to trademarks, one of the most common questions I hear is: What are trademark international classes, and why do they matter?

In short, trademark international classes are a way to categorize the goods and services associated with a trademark. The system, known as the Nice Classification (established by the Nice Agreement), organizes goods and services into 45 distinct classes:

• Classes 1–34 cover goods (e.g., clothing, electronics, food, etc.).
• Classes 35–45 cover services (e.g., advertising, legal services, education, etc.).

Why Are Classes Important?

1. Defining Protection​
   Your trademark is only protected for the goods and services you specify in your application. For example, a clothing brand (Class 25) doesn’t automatically protect you if someone uses the same name for a restaurant (Class 43).
2. Avoiding Conflicts​
   Classes help determine whether similar trademarks are likely to cause confusion. Two trademarks can coexist if they’re in unrelated classes and consumers aren’t likely to associate them.
3. Application Costs​
   The filing fee for a trademark depends on the number of classes you include. If your trademark applies to multiple goods or services across different classes, you'll need to pay for each class.

How Do You Choose the Right Class?

Selecting the correct classes is crucial for ensuring your trademark provides the protection you need. It’s important to:

• Understand the current and potential uses of your trademark.
• Consider how your business might expand in the future.
• Be specific while accurately describing your goods and services.

Need Help?

Determining the right classes can be tricky, but that’s where I come in! I’ve helped thousands of businesses navigate the trademark process, ensuring their brands are fully protected in the right categories.

If you’re ready to file a trademark or need guidance on classes, let’s chat!

Keep Your Brand Safe and Protected,​
​

J.J. Lee and the Trademark Lawyer Law Firm Team!

P.S. If you’re not sure which class your business falls into, don’t worry—that’s exactly what I’m here to help with!

​trademarklawyerfirm.com​
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