Niceklassifikation

Nice Classification, in German often referred to as Nice-Klassifikation, is an international system used to categorize goods and services for the purpose of registering trademarks. It groups items into 45 classes, each with a heading and a (non-exhaustive) list of representative terms. The system is designed to standardize how products and services are described in trademark applications and searches.

The classification originated with the Nice Agreement, concluded in 1957 in Nice, France. It is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on behalf of the Nice Union, a group of member states that maintain revisions to the classification. The system is periodically updated to reflect new products and services, and the current edition is maintained and published by WIPO.

The 45 classes cover a broad range of goods and services, from class headings like agricultural, horticultural and forestry products to classes for scientific instruments, clothing, advertising, and legal services. When filing a trademark, applicants designate the relevant classes that cover their goods or services. Trademark offices worldwide use these classes to organize examinations, searches, and oppositions, and the Nice Classification is also used in international filings such as the Madrid System to standardize designation of goods and services.

Users should consult the official WIPO resources for the most current class terms and any revisions. Selecting precise terms from the classification and monitoring updates helps ensure adequate protection and avoids gaps or overlaps in a trademark’s scope.