Niceklassifikationen

Niceklassifikation, or the Nice Classification, is an international system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration. It was established by the Nice Agreement concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks, signed in Nice in 1957, and is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The classification standardizes how products and services are described in trademark applications, enabling consistent examination and easier comparisons across jurisdictions.

The system comprises 45 classes: classes 1–34 cover goods, while classes 35–45 cover services. Each class provides a general heading and detailed listings or examples to guide applicants in selecting the appropriate category. When filing a trademark, applicants typically choose the relevant classes and specify the particular goods or services within those classes that will be covered by the registration. The classification is periodically updated through new editions and supplements to reflect changes in markets and technology.

The Nice Classification is widely used by national and regional trademark offices, including those of the European Union, the United States, and many other countries. It aids in search and examination, determines the scope of protection, and helps assess potential conflicts with existing marks. It is important to note that classification does not determine the legal protection itself; protection is defined by the registration’s specific description of goods or services and its territorial scope. Examples include Class 9 (computer software), Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (advertising), Class 41 (education), and Class 42 (scientific and technological services).