1401.02    International Trademark Classification Adopted

As of September 1, 1973, the international classification of goods and services is the controlling classification used by the United States, and it applies to all applications filed on or after September 1, 1973, and their resulting registrations, for all statutory purposes.   See 37 C.F.R. §2.85(a).  Unless otherwise indicated, references in this manual to class refer to the international class.

Prior to September 1, 1973, the United States used its own classification of goods and services, which is different from the international classification.  The prior United States classification continues to govern for all statutory purposes for trademark applications filed on or before August 31, 1973, and all registrations issued on the basis of an application filed on or before August 31, 1973, unless the owner of the registration amends the registration to adopt international classification.  37 C.F.R. §2.85(b).

If a registration issued under the United States classification system, the owner of the registration may voluntarily amend to reclassify under the international classification system, pursuant to §7(e) of the Trademark Act, 15 U.S.C. §1057(e), if the owner pays the required fee.  37 C.F.R. §§2.6  and 2.85(e)(3).   See TMEP §1609.04.  

Classification schedules are set forth in Part 6 of the Trademark Rules of Practice.  See 37 C.F.R §6.1  for the international classification schedule for goods and services, 37 C.F.R §6.2  for the prior United States classification schedule for goods and services, 37 C.F.R. §6.3  for certification marks, and 37 C.F.R §6.4  for collective membership marks.

1401.02(a)    Headings of International Trademark Classes

International trademark classification, and the headings of the international trademark classes, are established by the Committee of Experts of the Nice Union and set forth in the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification) published annually by the World Intellectual Property Organization ("WIPO") on its website.  See TMEP §1401.02(c) for further information.

In 2013, the Committee of Experts began annual revisions to the Nice Classification. The annual revisions, which are published electronically and enter into force on January 1 each year, are referred to as versions and identified by edition number and year of the effective date (e.g., "Nice Classification, 10th edition, version 2013" or "NCL 10-2013"). Each annual version includes all changes adopted by the Committee of Experts since the adoption of the previous version. The changes consist of the addition of new goods and services to, and deletion of goods and services from, the Alphabetical List, and any modifications to the wording in the Alphabetical List, the class headings and the explanatory notes that do not involve the transfer of goods or services from one class to another. New editions continue to be published electronically and enter into force usually every five years, and include all changes adopted annually since the previous edition, as well as all amendments. Amendments consist of goods or services transferred from one class to another or new classes that are created. The Nice Agreement Current Edition/Version  page sets forth the general remarks, class numbers, class headings and explanatory notes for the current edition and version of the Nice Agreement.

The general remarks, class numbers, class headings, and explanatory notes for each international trademark class under NCL 10-2016 are set forth below.  The word or words in parentheses following the class numbers are short titles for the classes that are used exclusively in the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") and are not part of the official text of the Nice Union classes.   See TMEP §1401.02(b).

In addition NCL 10-2016 is available on WIPO’s website at http://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/en. See also TMEP §1401.02(c).

Nice Classification, 11th edition, version 2017 ("NCL 11-2017"), which features changes to certain class headings and explanatory notes, will be effective January 1, 2017 and should be available on WIPO’s website, http://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/en, on or around January 1, 2017. The class headings and explanatory notes under NCL 11-2017 will also be available on the Nice Agreement Current Edition/Version  page on or around January 1, 2017.

GENERAL REMARKS

The indications of goods or services appearing in the class headings are general indications relating to the fields to which, in principle, the goods or services belong.  The Alphabetical List should therefore be consulted in order to ascertain the exact classification of each individual product or service.

Goods

If a product cannot be classified with the aid of the List of Classes, the Explanatory Notes and the Alphabetical List, the following remarks set forth the criteria to be applied:

  • (a) A finished product is in principle classified according to its function or purpose.  If the function or purpose of a finished product is not mentioned in any class heading, the finished product is classified by analogy with other comparable finished products, indicated in the Alphabetical List.  If none is found, other subsidiary criteria, such as that of the material of which the product is made or its mode of operation, are applied.
  • (b) A finished product which is a multipurpose composite object (e.g., clocks incorporating radios) may be classified in all classes that correspond to any of its functions or intended purposes.  If those functions or purposes are not mentioned in any class heading, other criteria, indicated under (a), above, are to be applied.
  • (c) Raw materials, unworked or semi-worked, are in principle classified according to the material of which they consist.
  • (d) Goods intended to form part of another product are in principle classified in the same class as that product only in cases where the same type of goods cannot normally be used for another purpose.  In all other cases, the criterion indicated under (a), above, applies.
  • (e) When a product, whether finished or not, is classified according to the material of which it is made, and it is made of different materials, the product is in principle classified according to the material which predominates.
  • (f) Cases adapted to the product they are intended to contain are in principle classified in the same class as the product.

Services

If a service cannot be classified with the aid of the List of Classes, the Explanatory Notes and the Alphabetical List, the following remarks set forth the criteria to be applied:

  • (a) Services are in principle classified according to the branches of activities specified in the headings of the service classes and in their Explanatory Notes or, if not specified, by analogy with other comparable services indicated in the Alphabetical List.
  • (b) Rental services are in principle classified in the same classes as the services provided by means of the rented objects (e.g., Rental of telephones, covered by Cl. 38). Leasing services are analogous to rental services and therefore should be classified in the same way. However, hire or lease-purchase financing is classified in Class 36 as a financial service.
  • (c) Services that provide advice, information or consultation are in principle classified in the same classes as the services that correspond to the subject matter of the advice, information or consultation, e.g., transportation consultancy (Cl. 39), business management consultancy (Cl. 35), financial consultancy (Cl. 36), beauty consultancy (Cl. 44).  The rendering of the advice, information or consultancy by electronic means (e.g., telephone, computer) does not affect the classification of these services.
  • (d) Services rendered in the framework of franchising are in principle classified in the same class as the particular services provided by the franchisor (e.g., business advice relating to franchising (Class 35), financing services relating to franchising (Class 36), legal services relating to franchising (Class 45)).

GOODS

CLASS 1

(Chemicals)

Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.

Explanatory Note

Class 1 includes mainly chemical products used in industry, science and agriculture, including those which go to the making of products belonging to other classes.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • compost;
  • salt for preserving other than for foodstuffs;
  • certain additives for the food industry (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • raw natural resins (Cl. 2);
  • chemical products for use in medical science (Cl. 5);
  • fungicides, herbicides and preparations for destroying vermin (Cl. 5);
  • adhesives for stationery or household purposes (Cl. 16);
  • salt for preserving foodstuffs (Cl. 30);
  • straw mulch (Cl. 31).

CLASS 2

(Paints)

Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for use in painting, decorating, printing and art.

Explanatory Note

Class 2 includes mainly paints, colorants and preparations used for the protection against corrosion.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • paints, varnishes and lacquers for industry, handicrafts and arts;
  • dyestuffs for clothing;
  • colorants for foodstuffs and beverages.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • unprocessed artificial resins (Cl. 1);
  • laundry blueing (Cl. 3);
  • cosmetic dyes (Cl. 3);
  • paint boxes (articles for use in school) (Cl. 16);
  • insulating paints and varnishes (Cl. 17).

CLASS 3

(Cosmetics and cleaning preparations)

Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.

Explanatory Note

Class 3 includes mainly cleaning preparations and toilet preparations.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • deodorants for human beings or for animals;
  • room fragrancing preparations;
  • sanitary preparations being toiletries.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • chemical chimney cleaners (Cl. 1);
  • degreasing preparations for use in manufacturing processes (Cl. 1);
  • deodorants other than for human beings or for animals (Cl. 5);
  • sharpening stones and grindstones (hand tools) (Cl. 8).

CLASS 4

(Lubricants and fuels)

Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting.

Explanatory Note

Class 4 includes mainly industrial oils and greases, fuels and illuminants.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain special industrial oils and greases (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 5

(Pharmaceuticals)

Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic food and substances adapted for medical or veterinary use, food for babies; dietary supplements for humans and animals; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides.

Explanatory Note

Class 5 includes mainly pharmaceuticals and other preparations for medical or veterinary purposes.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • sanitary preparations for personal hygiene, other than toiletries;
  • diapers for babies and incontinents;
  • deodorants other than for human beings or for animals;
  • dietary supplements, intended to supplement a normal diet or to have health benefits;
  • meal replacements, dietetic food and beverages, adapted for medical or veterinary use;
  • cigarettes without tobacco, for medical purposes.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • sanitary preparations being toiletries (Cl. 3);
  • deodorants for human beings or for animals (Cl. 3);
  • supportive bandages (Cl. 10);
  • meal replacements, dietetic food and beverages not for medical or veterinary use (Cl. 29, 30, 31, 32 or 33).

CLASS 6

(Metal goods)

Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; ironmongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; ores.

Explanatory Note

Class 6 includes mainly unwrought and partly wrought common metals as well as simple products made of them.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • bauxite (Cl. 1);
  • mercury, antimony, alkaline and alkaline-earth metals (Cl. 1);
  • metals in foil and powder form for use in painting, decorating, printing and art (Cl. 2);
  • certain goods made of common metals that are classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 7

(Machinery)

Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs; automatic vending machines.

Explanatory Note

Class 7 includes mainly machines, machine tools, motors and engines.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • parts of motors and engines (of all kinds);
  • electric cleaning machines and apparatus.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain special machines and machine tools (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • hand tools and implements, hand-operated (Cl. 8);
  • motors and engines for land vehicles (Cl. 12).

CLASS 8

(Hand tools)

Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.

Explanatory Note

Class 8 includes mainly hand-operated implements used as tools in the respective professions.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • cutlery of precious metals;
  • electric razors and clippers (hand instruments).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain special instruments (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • machine tools and implements driven by a motor (Cl. 7);
  • surgical cutlery (Cl. 10);
  • side arms being firearms (Cl. 13);
  • paper knives (Cl. 16);
  • fencing weapons (Cl. 28).

CLASS 9

(Electrical and scientific apparatus)

Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; compact discs, DVDs and other digital recording media; mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment, computers; computer software; fire-extinguishing apparatus.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • apparatus and instruments for scientific research in laboratories;
  • apparatus and instruments for controlling ships, such as apparatus and instruments for measuring and for transmitting orders;
  • protractors;
  • punched card office machines;
  • all computer programs and software regardless of recording media or means of dissemination, that is, software recorded on magnetic media or downloaded from a remote computer network.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • the following electrical apparatus and instruments:
    • 1. electromechanical apparatus for the kitchen (grinders and mixers for foodstuffs, fruit presses, electrical coffee mills, etc.), and certain other apparatus and instruments driven by an electrical motor, all coming under Class 7;
    • 2. apparatus for pumping or dispensing fuels (Cl. 7);
    • 3. electric razors, clippers (hand instruments) and flat irons (Cl. 8);
    • 4. electrical apparatus for space heating or for the heating of liquids, for cooking, ventilating, etc. (Cl. 11);
    • 5. electric toothbrushes and combs (Cl. 21);
  • clocks and watches and other chronometric instruments (Cl. 14);
  • control clocks (Cl. 14);
  • amusement and game apparatus adapted for use with an external display screen or monitor (Cl. 28).

CLASS 10

(Medical apparatus)

Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments; artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.

Explanatory Note

Class 10 includes mainly medical apparatus, instruments and articles.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • special furniture for medical use;
  • hygienic rubber articles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • supportive bandages.

CLASS 11

(Environmental control apparatus)

Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • air conditioning apparatus;
  • bed warmers, hot water bottles, warming pans, electric or non-electric;
  • electrically heated cushions (pads) and blankets, not for medical purposes;
  • electric kettles;
  • electric cooking utensils.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • steam producing apparatus (parts of machines) (Cl. 7);
  • electrically heated clothing (Cl. 9).

CLASS 12

(Vehicles)

Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • motors and engines for land vehicles;
  • couplings and transmission components for land vehicles;
  • air cushion vehicles.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain special vehicles not for transportation purposes (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • certain parts of vehicles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • railway material of metal (Cl. 6);
  • motors, engines, couplings and transmission components other than for land vehicles (Cl. 7);
  • parts of motors and engines (of all kinds) (Cl. 7).

CLASS 13

(Firearms)

Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.

Explanatory Note

Class 13 includes mainly firearms and pyrotechnical products.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • matches (Cl. 34).

CLASS 14

(Jewelry)

Precious metals and their alloys; jewellery, precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.

Explanatory Note

Class 14 includes mainly precious metals, goods in precious metals or coated therewith and, in general jewellery, clocks and watches.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • jewellery (i.e., imitation jewelry and jewelry of precious metal and stones);
  • cuff links, tie pins.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods in precious metals classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods), for example, metals in foil and powder form for use in painting, decorating, printing and art (Cl. 2), amalgam of gold for dentists (Cl. 5), cutlery (Cl. 8), electric contacts (Cl. 9), pen nibs of gold (Cl. 16), teapots (Cl. 21), gold and silver embroidery (Cl. 26), cigar boxes (Cl. 34);
  • objects of art not of precious metals (classified according to the material of which they consist).

CLASS 15

(Musical Instruments)

Musical instruments.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • mechanical pianos and their accessories;
  • musical boxes;
  • electrical and electronic musical instruments.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • apparatus for the recording, transmission, amplification and reproduction of sound (Cl. 9).

CLASS 16

(Paper goods and printed matter)

Paper and cardboard; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists' materials; paintbrushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging; printers' type; printing blocks.

Explanatory Note

Class 16 includes mainly paper and cardboard, goods made from those materials and office requisites.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • paper knives;
  • duplicators;
  • plastic sheets, sacks and bags for wrapping and packaging;
  • table linen of paper.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods made of paper and cardboard that are classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • paints (Cl. 2);
  • hand tools for artists (for example, spatulas, sculptors’ chisels) (Cl. 8);
  • bed linen of paper (Cl. 24).

CLASS 17

(Rubber goods)

Unprocessed and semi-processed rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and substitutes for all these materials; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.

Explanatory Note

Class 17 includes mainly electrical, thermal and acoustic insulating materials and plastics, being for use in manufacture in the form of sheets, blocks and rods, and goods made of the materials in this class.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • rubber material for recapping tyres;
  • padding and stuffing materials of rubber or plastics;
  • floating anti-pollution barriers.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods made of the materials in this class that are classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 18

(Leather goods)

Leather and imitations of leather; animal skins, hides; trunks and travelling bags; umbrellas and parasols; walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.

Explanatory Note

Class 18 includes mainly leather, imitations of leather, goods made of those materials, travel goods and saddlery.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • luggage tags.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • clothing, footwear, headgear (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • certain goods made of leather, imitations of leather, animal skins and hides, that are classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 19

(Nonmetallic building materials)

Building materials (non-metallic); non-metallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen; non-metallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.

Explanatory Note

Class 19 includes mainly non-metallic building materials.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • semi-worked woods (for example, beams, planks, panels);
  • veneers;
  • building glass (for example, floor slabs, glass tiles);
  • glass granules for marking out roads;
  • letter boxes of masonry.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • cement preservatives and cement-waterproofing preparations (Cl. 1);
  • fireproofing preparations (Cl. 1).

CLASS 20

(Furniture and articles not otherwise classified)

Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; unworked or semi-worked bone, horn, ivory, whalebone or mother-of-pearl; shells; meerschaum; yellow amber.

Explanatory Note

Class 20 includes mainly furniture and parts therefor, as well as certain goods made of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastic.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • metal furniture and furniture for camping;
  • bedding (for example, mattresses, spring mattresses, pillows);
  • looking glasses, furniture and toilet mirrors;
  • registration number plates, not of metal;
  • letter boxes, not of metal or masonry.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain mirrors, classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • certain goods made of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastic, that are classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • special furniture for laboratories (Cl. 9);
  • special furniture for medical use (Cl. 10);
  • bed linen (Cl. 24);
  • eiderdowns (Cl. 24).

CLASS 21

(Housewares and glass)

Household or kitchen utensils and containers; combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steelwool; unworked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware.

Explanatory Note

Class 21 includes mainly small, hand-operated utensils and apparatus for household and kitchen use as well as toilet utensils, glassware and articles in porcelain.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • utensils and containers for household and kitchen use, for example, kitchen utensils, pails, pans of iron, of aluminum, of plastics or of other materials, small hand-operated apparatus for mincing, grinding, or pressing;
  • electric combs;
  • electric toothbrushes;
  • dish stands and decanter stands.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain goods made of glass, porcelain and earthenware that are classified according to their function or purpose (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • cleaning preparations, soaps, etc. (Cl. 3);
  • small apparatus for mincing, grinding, or pressing which are driven by electricity (Cl. 7);
  • razors and shaving apparatus, clippers (hand instruments), metal implements and utensils for manicure and pedicure (Cl. 8);
  • cooking utensils, electric (Cl. 11);
  • toilet mirrors (Cl. 20).

CLASS 22

(Cordage and fibers)

Ropes and string; nets; tents, awnings and tarpaulins; sails; sacks; padding and stuffing materials (except of paper, cardboard, rubber or plastics); raw fibrous textile materials.

Explanatory Note

Class 22 includes mainly canvas and other materials for making sails, rope, padding and stuffing materials and raw fibrous textile materials.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • cords and twines in natural or artificial textile fibres, paper or plastics;
  • sacks and bags for transporting or storing goods and materials in bulk (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain nets and bags (consult the Alphabetical List) of Goods;
  • strings for musical instruments (Cl. 15);
  • padding and stuffing materials of paper or cardboard (Cl. 16), rubber or plastics (Cl. 17).

CLASS 23

(Yarns and threads)

Yarns and threads, for textile use.

CLASS 24

(Fabrics)

Textiles and substitutes for textiles; bed covers; table covers.

Explanatory Note

Class 24 includes mainly textiles (piece goods) and textile covers for household use.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • household linen;
  • bed linen of paper.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain special textiles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • electrically heated blankets, for medical purposes (Cl. 10) and not for medical purposes (Cl. 11);
  • table linen of paper (Cl. 16);
  • horse blankets (Cl. 18).

CLASS 25

(Clothing)

Clothing, footwear, headgear.

Explanatory Note

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain clothing and footwear for special use (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods).

CLASS 26

(Fancy goods)

Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.

Explanatory Note

Class 26 includes mainly dressmakers’ articles.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • slide fasteners.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain special types of hooks (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • certain special types of needles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • yarns and threads for textile use (Cl. 23).

CLASS 27

(Floor coverings)

Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).

Explanatory Note

Class 27 includes mainly products intended to be added as furnishings to previously constructed floors and walls.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • wooden flooring (Cl. 19)

CLASS 28

(Toys and sporting goods)

Games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles; decorations for Christmas trees.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • amusement and game apparatus adapted for use with an external display screen or monitor;
  • fishing tackle;
  • equipment for various sports and games.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain gymnastic and sporting articles (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • Christmas tree candles (Cl. 4);
  • diving equipment (Cl. 9);
  • electrical lamps (garlands) for Christmas trees (Cl. 11);
  • fishing nets (Cl. 22);
  • clothing for gymnastics and sports (Cl. 25);
  • confectionery and chocolate decorations for Christmas trees (Cl. 30).

CLASS 29

(Meats and processed foods)

Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs; milk and milk products; edible oils and fats.

Explanatory Note

Class 29 includes mainly foodstuffs of animal origin as well as vegetables and other horticultural comestible products which are prepared for consumption or conservation.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • milk beverages (milk predominating).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain foodstuffs of plant origin (consult the Alphabetical List of Goods);
  • baby food (Cl. 5);
  • dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use (Cl. 5);
  • dietary supplements (Cl. 5);
  • salad dressings (Cl. 30);
  • fertilised eggs for hatching (Cl. 31);
  • foodstuffs for animals (Cl. 31);
  • live animals (Cl. 31).

CLASS 30

(Staple foods)

Coffee, tea, cocoa and artificial coffee; rice; tapioca and sago; flour and preparations made from cereals; bread, pastries and confectionery; edible ices; sugar, honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt; mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.

Explanatory Note

Class 30 includes mainly foodstuffs of plant origin prepared for consumption or conservation as well as auxiliaries intended for the improvement of the flavour of food.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • beverages with coffee, cocoa, chocolate or tea base;
  • cereals prepared for human consumption (for example, oat flakes and those made of other cereals).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • certain foodstuffs of plant origin (consult the  Alphabetical List);
  • salt for preserving other than for foodstuffs (Cl. 1);
  • medicinal teas and dietetic food and substances adapted for medical use (Cl. 5);
  • baby food (Cl. 5);
  • dietary supplements (Cl. 5);
  • raw cereals (Cl. 31);
  • foodstuffs for animals (Cl. 31).

CLASS 31

(Natural agricultural products)

Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products; raw and unprocessed grains and seeds; fresh fruits and vegetables; natural plants and flowers; live animals; foodstuffs for animals; malt.

Explanatory Note

Class 31 includes mainly land products not having been subjected to any form of preparation for consumption, live animals and plants as well as foodstuffs for animals.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • raw woods;
  • raw cereals;
  • fertilised eggs for hatching;
  • mollusca and crustacea (live).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • cultures of micro-organisms and leeches for medical purposes (Cl. 5);
  • dietary supplements for animals (Cl. 5);
  • semi-worked woods (Cl. 19);
  • artificial fishing bait (Cl. 28);
  • rice (Cl. 30);
  • tobacco (Cl. 34).

CLASS 32

(Light beverages)

Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic beverages; fruit beverages and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.

Explanatory Note

Class 32 includes mainly non-alcoholic beverages, as well as beer.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • de-alcoholised beverages.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • beverages for medical purposes (Cl. 5);
  • milk beverages (milk predominating) (Cl. 29);
  • beverages with coffee, cocoa, chocolate or tea base (Cl. 30).

CLASS 33

(Wines and spirits)

Alcoholic beverages (except beers).

Explanatory Note

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • medicinal beverages (Cl. 5);
  • de-alcoholised beverages (Cl. 32).

CLASS 34

(Smokers' articles)

Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • tobacco substitutes (not for medical purposes).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • cigarettes without tobacco, for medical purposes (Cl. 5);

SERVICES

CLASS 35

(Advertising and business)

Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.

Explanatory Note

Class 35 includes mainly services rendered by persons or organizations principally with the object of:

  • (1) help in the working or management of a commercial undertaking, or
  • (2) help in the management of the business affairs or commercial functions of an industrial or commercial enterprise,

as well as services rendered by advertising establishments primarily undertaking communications to the public, declarations or announcements by all means of diffusion and concerning all kinds of goods or services.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • the bringing together, for the benefit of others, of a variety of goods (excluding the transport thereof), enabling customers to conveniently view and purchase those goods; such services may be provided by retail stores, wholesale outlets, through mail order catalogues or by means of electronic media, for example, through websites or television shopping programmes;
  • services consisting of the registration, transcription, composition, compilation, or systematization of written communications and registrations, and also the compilation of mathematical or statistical data;
  • services of advertising agencies and services such as the distribution of prospectuses, directly or through the post, or the distribution of samples.  This Class may refer to advertising in connection with other services, such as those concerning bank loans or advertising by radio.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • services such as evaluations and reports of engineers which do not directly refer to the working or management of affairs in a commercial or industrial enterprise (consult the Alphabetical List of Services).

CLASS 36

(Insurance and financial)

Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs.

Explanatory Note

Class 36 includes mainly services rendered in financial and monetary affairs and services rendered in relation to insurance contracts of all kinds.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services relating to financial or monetary affairs comprise the following:
    • 1. services of all the banking establishments, or institutions connected with them such as exchange brokers or clearing services;
    • 2. services of credit institutions other than banks such as co-operative credit associations, individual financial companies, lenders, etc.;
    • 3. services of "investment trusts," of holding companies;
    • 4. services of brokers dealing in shares and property;
    • 5. services connected with monetary affairs vouched for by trustees;
    • 6. services rendered in connection with the issue of travellers’ cheques and letters of credit;
  • hire or lease-purchase financing;
  • services of realty administrators of buildings, i.e., services of letting or valuation, or financing;
  • services dealing with insurance such as services rendered by agents or brokers engaged in insurance, services rendered to insured, and insurance underwriting services.

CLASS 37

(Building construction and repair)

Building construction; repair; installation services.

Explanatory Note

Class 37 includes mainly services rendered by contractors or subcontractors in the construction or making of permanent buildings, as well as services rendered by persons or organizations engaged in the restoration of objects to their original condition or in their preservation without altering their physical or chemical properties.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services relating to the construction of buildings, roads, bridges, dams or transmission lines and services of undertakings specializing in the field of construction such as those of painters, plumbers, heating installers or roofers;
  • services auxiliary to construction services like inspections of construction plans;
  • services of shipbuilding;
  • services consisting of hiring of tools or building  materials;
  • repair services, i.e., services which undertake to put any object into good condition after wear, damage, deterioration or partial destruction (restoration of an existing building or another object that has become imperfect and is to be restored to its original condition);
  • various repair services such as those in the fields of electricity, furniture, instruments, tools, etc.;
  • services of maintenance for preserving an object in its original condition without changing any of its properties (for the difference between this Class and Class 40 see the Explanatory Note of Class 40).

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • services consisting of storage of goods such as clothes or vehicles (Cl. 39);
  • services connected with dyeing of cloth or clothes (Cl. 40).

CLASS 38

(Telecommunications)

Telecommunications.

Explanatory Note

Class 38 includes mainly services allowing at least one person to communicate with another by a sensory means.  Such services include those which:

  • (1) allow one person to talk to another,
  • (2) transmit messages from one person to another, and
  • (3) place a person in oral or visual communication with another (radio and television).

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services which consist essentially of the diffusion of radio or television programmes.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • radio advertising services (Cl. 35);
  • telephone marketing (telemarketing) services (Cl. 35).

CLASS 39

(Transportation and storage)

Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.

Explanatory Note

Class 39 includes mainly services for the transport of people, animals or goods from one place to another (by rail, road, water, air or pipeline) and services necessarily connected with such transport, as well as services relating to the storing of goods in a warehouse or other building for their preservation or guarding.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services rendered by companies exploiting stations, bridges, rail-road ferries, etc., used by the transporter;
  • services connected with the hiring of transport vehicles;
  • services connected with maritime tugs, unloading, the functioning of ports and docks and the salvaging of wrecked ships and their cargoes;
  • services connected with the packaging and parcelling of goods before dispatch;
  • services consisting of information about journeys or the transport of goods by brokers and tourist agencies, information relating to tariffs, timetables and methods of transport;
  • services relating to the inspection of vehicles or goods before transport.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • services relating to advertising transport undertakings such as the distribution of prospectuses or advertising on the radio (Cl. 35);
  • services relating to the issuing of travellers’ cheques or letters of credit by brokers or travel agents (Cl. 36);
  • services relating to insurances (commercial, fire or life) during the transport of persons or goods (Cl. 36);
  • services rendered by the maintenance and repair of vehicles, nor the maintenance or repair of objects connected with the transport of persons or goods (Cl. 37);
  • services relating to reservation of rooms in a hotel by travel agents or brokers (Cl. 43).

CLASS 40

(Treatment of materials)

Treatment of materials.

Explanatory Note

Class 40 includes mainly services not included in other classes, rendered by the mechanical or chemical processing, transformation or production of objects or inorganic or organic substances, including custom manufacturing services.

For the purposes of classification, the production or manufacturing of goods is considered a service only in cases where it is effected for the account of another person to their order and specification.  

If the production or manufacturing is not being performed to fulfil an order for goods which meet the customer’s particular needs, requirements, or specifications, then it is generally ancillary to the maker’s primary commercial activity or goods in trade.

If the substance or object is marketed to third parties by the person who processed, transformed or produced it, then this would generally not be considered a service.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services relating to transformation of an object or substance and any process involving a change in its essential properties (for example, dyeing a garment); consequently, a maintenance service, although usually in Class 37, is included in Class 40 if it entails such a change (for example, the chroming of motor vehicle bumpers);
  • services of material treatment which may be present during the production of any substance or object other than a building; for example, services which involve cutting, shaping, polishing by abrasion or metal coating;
  • the custom manufacturing of goods to the order and specification of others (bearing in mind that certain offices require that the goods produced be indicated), for example, custom manufacturing of automobiles.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • repair services (Cl. 37);
  • certain customization services, for example, the custom painting of automobiles (Cl. 37).

CLASS 41

(Education and entertainment)

Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.

Explanatory Note

Class 41 covers mainly services rendered by persons or institutions in the development of the mental faculties of persons or animals, as well as services intended to entertain or to engage the attention.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services consisting of all forms of education of persons or training of animals;
  • services having the basic aim of the entertainment, amusement or recreation of people;
  • presentation of works of visual art or literature to the public for cultural or educational purposes.

CLASS 42

(Computer and scientific)

Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software.

Explanatory Note

Class 42 includes mainly services provided by persons, individually or collectively, in relation to the theoretical and practical aspects of complex fields of activities; such services are provided by members of professions such as chemists, physicists, engineers, computer programmers, etc.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • the services of engineers and scientists who undertake evaluations, estimates, research and reports in the scientific and technological fields (including technological consultancy);
  • scientific research services for medical purposes.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • business research and evaluations (Cl. 35);
  • word processing and computer file management services (Cl. 35);
  • financial and fiscal evaluations (Cl. 36);
  • mining and oil extraction (Cl. 37);
  • computer (hardware) installation and repair services (Cl. 37);
  • services provided by the members of professions such as medical doctors, veterinary surgeons, psychoanalysts (Cl. 44);
  • medical treatment services (Cl. 44);
  • garden design (Cl. 44);
  • legal services (Cl. 45).

CLASS 43

(Hotels and restaurants)

Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation.

Explanatory Note

Class 43 includes mainly services provided by persons or establishments whose aim is to prepare food and drink for consumption and services provided to obtain bed and board in hotels, boarding houses or other establishments providing temporary accommodation.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • reservation services for travellers’ accommodation, particularly through travel agencies or brokers;
  • boarding for animals.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • rental services for real estate such as houses, flats, etc., for permanent use (Cl. 36);
  • arranging travel by tourist agencies (Cl. 39);
  • preservation services for food and drink (Cl. 40);
  • discotheque services (Cl. 41);
  • boarding schools (Cl. 41);
  • rest and convalescent homes (Cl. 44).

CLASS 44

(Medical, beauty and agricultural)

Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.

Explanatory Note

Class 44 includes mainly medical care, hygienic and beauty care given by persons or establishments to human beings and animals; it also includes services relating to the fields of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

This Class includes, in particular:

  • medical analysis services relating to the treatment of persons (such as x-ray examinations and taking of blood samples);
  • artificial insemination services;
  • pharmacy advice;
  • animal breeding;
  • services relating to the growing of plants such as gardening;
  • services relating to floral art such as floral compositions as well as garden design.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • vermin exterminating (other than for agriculture, horticulture and forestry) (Cl. 37);
  • installation and repair services for irrigation systems (Cl. 37);
  • ambulance transport (Cl. 39);
  • animal slaughtering services and taxidermy (Cl. 40);
  • timber felling and processing (Cl. 40);
  • animal training services (Cl. 41);
  • health clubs for physical exercise (Cl. 41);
  • scientific research services for medical purposes (Cl. 42);
  • boarding for animals (Cl. 43);
  • retirement homes (Cl. 43).

CLASS 45

(Personal and legal)

Legal services; security services for the protection of property and individuals; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals.

Explanatory Note

This Class includes, in particular:

  • services rendered by lawyers, legal assistants, and personal advocates, to individuals, groups of individuals, organizations and enterprises;
  • investigation and surveillance services relating to the safety of persons and entities;
  • services provided to individuals in relation with social events, such as social escort services, matrimonial agencies, funeral services.

This Class does not include, in particular:

  • professional services giving direct aid in the operations or functions of a commercial undertaking (Cl. 35);
  • services relating to financial or monetary affairs and services dealing with insurance (Cl. 36);
  • escorting of travellers (Cl. 39);
  • security transport (Cl. 39);
  • services consisting of all forms of education of persons (Cl. 41);
  • performances of singers and dancers (Cl. 41);
  • computer services for the protection of software (Cl. 42);
  • services provided by others to give medical, hygienic or beauty care for human beings or animals (Cl. 44);
  • certain rental services (consult the Alphabetical List of Services and General Remark (b) relating to the classification of services).

1401.02(b)    Short Titles for International Trademark Classes  

The USPTO associates the following word titles with the respective international trademark class numbers:

GOODS

1.        Chemicals

2.        Paints

3.        Cosmetics and cleaning preparations

4.        Lubricants and fuels

5.        Pharmaceuticals

6.        Metal goods

7.        Machinery

8.        Hand tools

9.        Electrical and scientific apparatus

10.        Medical apparatus

11.        Environmental control apparatus

12.        Vehicles

13.        Firearms

14.        Jewelry

15.        Musical instruments

16.        Paper goods and printed matter

17.        Rubber goods

18.        Leather goods

19.        Non-metallic building materials

20.        Furniture and articles not otherwise classified

21.        Housewares and glass

22.        Cordage and fibers

23.        Yarns and threads

24.        Fabrics

25.        Clothing

26.        Fancy goods

27.        Floor coverings

28.        Toys and sporting goods

29.        Meats and processed foods

30.        Staple foods

31.        Natural agricultural products

32.        Light beverages

33.        Wines and spirits

34.        Smokers’ articles

SERVICES

35.        Advertising and business

36.        Insurance and financial

37.        Building construction and repair

38.        Telecommunications

39.        Transportation and storage

40.        Treatment of materials

41.        Education and entertainment

42.        Computer and scientific

43.        Hotels and restaurants

44.        Medical, beauty and agricultural

45.        Personal and legal

These short titles are not an official part of the international classification.  Their purpose is to provide a means to quickly identify the general content of numbered international classes.  By their nature, these titles will not necessarily disclose the classification of specific items.  The titles are not designed to be used for classification, but only as information to assist in the identification of numbered classes.  To determine the classification of particular goods and services, it is necessary to refer to the Alphabetical List, the class headings of the international classes, and explanatory notes in the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification), published annually by WIPO on its website.  The full names of international classes are set forth in 37 C.F.R. §6.1.

The short titles are printed in the Official Gazette in association with the international class numbers under MARKS PUBLISHED FOR OPPOSITION, Sections 1 and 2; TRADEMARK REGISTRATIONS ISSUED, PRINCIPAL REGISTER, Section 1; TRADEMARK REGISTRATIONS ISSUED UNDER SECTION 1(d), Sections 1 and 2; and SUPPLEMENTAL REGISTER, Sections 1 and 2.

The international trademark classification was adopted by the United States as its system of classification as of September 1, 1973.   See 911 TMOG 210 (June 26, 1973).  The use of short titles was announced in a notice at 924 TMOG 155 (July 16, 1974).

1401.02(c)    International Alphabetical List

Additional general guidance concerning identifications may be found in the Alphabetical List of goods and services of the Nice Classification, available online at http://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/en/, and published by the World Intellectual Property Organization.  A French version of the Alphabetical List is also available online. Note: The paper publication of the Nice Classification was discontinued in 2011 with the publication of the 10th edition.

As the Alphabetical List was developed to classify goods and services and not to identify specific goods and services, most entries in the Alphabetical List will not be sufficiently definite to use in an identification of goods and/or services.  If such entries are provided as identifications, the USPTO exercises its discretion to require greater particularity.   See In re Omega SA, 494 F.3d 1362, 83 USPQ2d 1541 (Fed. Cir. 2007).

The USPTO’s Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual  ("ID Manual") provides general guidance on whether an identification is sufficiently definite.   See TMEP §1402.04.