Nice Classification
The 45 trademark classes, explained
Every US trademark application is filed under one or more of 45 international classes set by the Nice Classification: classes 1–34 cover goods, and 35–45 cover services. Filing in the wrong class — or missing one a competitor is watching — is one of the most common, avoidable mistakes when registering a mark.
Goods — classes 1–34
Physical and downloadable products, from chemicals and cosmetics to software and clothing.
Chemicals
Industrial, scientific and agricultural chemicals, and unprocessed plastics.
Paints & coatings
Paints, varnishes, lacquers, and preservatives against rust.
Cosmetics & cleaning
Non-medicated cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning preparations.
Fuels & lubricants
Industrial oils and greases, fuels, and candles.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical, medical and veterinary preparations; dietary supplements.
Common metals
Common metals, their alloys, and metal building materials and hardware.
Machinery
Machines, machine tools, and motors (not for land vehicles).
Hand tools
Hand-operated tools and implements; cutlery; razors.
Software & electronics
Software, apps, computer hardware, electronics, and scientific apparatus. The default class for most tech and SaaS *products*.
Medical devices
Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments.
Appliances & lighting
Apparatus for lighting, heating, cooking, cooling and water supply.
Vehicles
Vehicles and apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.
Firearms
Firearms, ammunition, explosives and fireworks.
Jewelry & watches
Precious metals, jewelry, precious stones, and timepieces.
Musical instruments
Musical instruments and their parts and accessories.
Paper & printed matter
Paper, cardboard, printed matter, books, and stationery.
Rubber & plastics
Rubber, plastics in extruded form, insulating and sealing materials.
Leather & bags
Leather and imitations; luggage, bags and umbrellas.
Building materials
Non-metallic building materials.
Furniture
Furniture, mirrors and picture frames.
Housewares
Household and kitchen utensils, containers, glassware and porcelain.
Ropes & tents
Ropes, nets, tents, awnings and raw fibrous textile materials.
Yarns & threads
Yarns and threads for textile use.
Textiles & linen
Textiles, household linen, curtains and blankets.
Clothing & footwear
Clothing, footwear and headwear. The class for apparel and fashion brands.
Sewing & trims
Lace, ribbons, buttons, pins, needles and artificial flowers.
Floor coverings
Carpets, rugs, mats and wall hangings (non-textile).
Toys & sporting goods
Games, toys, and sporting and gymnastic articles.
Prepared foods
Meat, fish, poultry; preserved/frozen produce; dairy, oils and prepared foods.
Staple foods
Coffee, tea, baked goods, condiments, sauces and spices.
Agriculture & pets
Raw agricultural products, fresh produce, live animals and pet food.
Non-alcoholic drinks
Beers, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral waters and fruit drinks.
Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic beverages except beers.
Tobacco & vaping
Tobacco, smokers' articles, matches and vaping products.
Services — classes 35–45
Everything delivered as a service: advertising, software-as-a-service, education, retail, healthcare and more.
Advertising & retail
Advertising, marketing, business management, e-commerce and retail store services.
Financial & insurance
Financial, banking, insurance, payments, crypto and real-estate services.
Construction & repair
Building construction, installation and repair services.
Telecommunications
Telecommunications: messaging, streaming transmission and network access.
Transport & logistics
Transport, packaging, storage of goods, delivery and travel arrangement.
Manufacturing
Custom manufacturing, material treatment, printing and recycling services.
Education & entertainment
Education, training, entertainment, media, events and publishing.
Software (SaaS) & tech
SaaS, software design & development, hosting, R&D and design services. The default class for most software *services* and SaaS.
Food, drink & lodging
Restaurant, café, catering and temporary-accommodation services.
Medical & wellness
Medical, veterinary, beauty and agricultural care services.
Legal & security
Legal, security, and personal and social services (incl. dating, IP).