When you file an application for registration of a trademark in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and most other national trademark offices, the application requires you to include a trademark class identification, or description of your goods or services. This is called a Class Identification or “Class ID” for short. The Class IDs will fall into certain specific categories called “classes,” or International Classes. These trademark classes aren’t random, they come from an international system designed to standardize the way goods and services are categorized across the world.
For software developers, beauty brands, food producers, and multinational corporations alike, understanding the trademark class identification system is a critical step in protecting intellectual property globally.
The Origins of the International trademark Class identification System
The international trademark class identification classification system was created under the Nice Agreement of 1957, named after Nice, France, where the treaty was signed. The system established a single list of trademark classes that all participating countries would adopt.
Before this treaty, every country had its own way of categorizing trademarks. That made international protection confusing and inconsistent. The Nice Agreement solved this problem by creating a harmonized framework, allowing businesses to file in multiple countries using the same classification system.
How the System Works
The Nice Classification divides goods and services into 45 classes:
- Classes 1–34 cover goods (like clothing, food, chemicals, and software).
- Classes 35–45 cover services (like legal services, consulting, and education).
As part of the trademark application process, you must specify which classes your goods or services fall under. This is important because trademark protection is class-specific. A registration covers that trademark for the goods or services listed, but not necessarily for unrelated fields. For example, “Delta” can coexist as both an airline (transportation services, Class 39) and a faucet manufacturer (plumbing goods, Class 11), because they operate in entirely different classes.
Additionally, trademark application fees in the United States and most other national offices are charged per class. As of 2025, the United States charges a base fee of $350 per International Class.
Countries That Use the Nice trademark identification Classification
Today, more than 150 countries use the Nice Classification, making it the global standard for trademarks. This includes:
- United States
- European Union member states (through the EUIPO)
- China
- Japan
- Australia
- Canada
- Brazil
- Mexico
And many more.
This widespread adoption means that when you file a trademark in one member country, the class designations line up with how they’re defined elsewhere, a huge benefit for companies with global reach. This is especially true when a trademark owner takes advantage of the efficient and cost-effective international trademark system.
International Trademark Filings and the Madrid Protocol
The Nice Classification system also works hand-in-hand with international trademark treaties like the Madrid Protocol. This treaty allows businesses to file a single international application through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), designating multiple countries at once.
Because all member countries recognize the same classes under the Nice Agreement, your international application can rely on a consistent trademark class identification of goods and services across jurisdictions.
Why This Matters for Businesses
- Consistency Across Borders. For instance, a U.S. Class 9 filing for software lines up with the same class in Europe or Asia.
- Strategic Planning. Businesses can align their trademark strategy with international growth plans.
- Efficiency. Using a single, harmonized system reduces confusion and speeds up filings abroad.
Concluding Thoughts
The international class system and trademark class identifications may seem like a technical detail, but it’s the backbone of modern trademark protection. Thanks to the Nice Agreement and its widespread adoption, businesses can navigate global markets with more clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re a startup launching your first product or an established company expanding overseas, understanding how the trademark class system works, and how it ties into treaties like the Madrid Protocol, is essential for protecting your brand worldwide.
Need help understanding what International Class your product falls into? We help clients navigate both U.S. and international trademark filings, ensuring that their intellectual property is protected across borders. Stemer Law (Stemer, P.A.) is a Denver trademark law firm serving clients across the U.S. and abroad. With 1,000+ trademarks filed, we make brand protection simple, affordable, and effective. To speak with a trademark attorney contact us at hello@stemerlaw.com or (303) 928-1094
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