Nice classification
The Nice Classification is the international system used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration.
Established under the Nice Agreement of June 15, 1957 and administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization, the system organizes all goods and services into 45 trademark classes. These classes allow applicants and trademark offices worldwide to define the scope of protection of a trademark in a standardized way.
45
classes
34
product classes
11
services classes
150+
member countries
What is the Nice Classification ?
Today, the Nice Classification is applied in more than 150 countries, making it the global reference for structuring trademark applications. When filing a trademark, applicants must specify the goods and services their mark will cover and classify them within the relevant Nice classes.
This classification is not merely administrative. It determines the legal scope of trademark protection, defining the commercial activities in which the mark will be protected and assessed for potential conflicts.
The system evolves regularly to reflect economic and technological developments. The current version in force is the 13th edition (NCL 13-2026), which entered into effect on January 1, 2026. Since 2013, updates have been published annually to incorporate new industries, digital services, and emerging technologies into the classification framework.
NCL 13-2026
Curent edition for the Nice Classification system, updated to 2026 classes and informations.
Mandatory use
Required for trademark filings with the Institut National de la Propriété Industrielle, European Union Intellectual Property Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization (Madrid System), the Organisation Africaine de la Propriété Intellectuelle, and the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property.
Guiding principle
Goods are classified according to their intrinsic nature rather than their intended use, unless an explicit exception is provided by the classification.
Three foundamental principles
01
Nature before destination
Goods are classified according to their intrinsic nature, not their final use.
For example, an industrial oil remains in Class 4, even if it is used in the manufacture of cosmetics, which belong to Class 3.
02
Product ≠ Service
A similar activity may require two different classifications.
For instance, downloadable software is classified in Class 9, while the corresponding SaaS service is classified in Class 42.
03
Strictly defined protection
Trademark protection only applies to the classes included in the application.
Identical or similar marks may coexist if they cover different classes and there is no likelihood of confusion among consumers.
Structure of the Nice Classification
PRODUCT CLASSES · 1 TO 34
Product classes
Classes 1 to 34 cover tangible goods, raw materials, manufactured products and consumer items marketed under a trademark.
SERVICE CLASSES · 35 TO 45
Service classes
Classes 35 to 45 cover commercial, financial, technical, digital, hospitality, medical and legal services.