1. What is the Nice Classification?

The Nice Classification is a short name for International Classification of Goods and Services. This classification is used for the purposes of the registration of trademarks. The latest, current edition of the Nice Classification is the Nice Classification 9th.

2. What are classes of the Nice Classification?

Classes of the Nice Classification are a complex of goods (services) divided into categories. The classification is based on the principle of goods and services homogeneity.

3. What is the Classification of Goods and Services used for?

This classification is necessary to systematize the selection of necessary goods and services, as well as to simplify compilation of an application for trademark registration by the applicant.

4. Does the cost of trademark registration depend on the quantity of the Nice Classification’s classes for which registration will take place?

That is right, the cost of trademark registration directly depends on the quantity of the Nice Classification’s classes for which you would like to register your trademark. The more classes of the Nice Classification you select, the higher the amount of the state fee due for payment is.

This principle is also applied to execution of preliminary search for the trademark. The more classes are involved in the search, the higher the charge of Rospatent is.

5. Can I register my trademark for one class first and then register it for another class?

Yes, you can register your trademark for one class and further for another class but for this purpose the process of registration must be carried out once again. Example: You are occupied with selling of flowers under the trademark “Sun”. In the future you are planning to extend your activity and begin flower production as well. You can register your trademark “Sun” for another class of the Nice Classification in which the type of activity as “flower production” is specified.

6. Is it necessary to specify the title of the Nice Classification’s class or only necessary types of goods and services when filling the application form on trademark registration?

In case if the class title is specified the trademark will be registered in relation to all goods and services specified in the class. Having selected a specific item or service and specifying your choice in the application form your trademark will be registered in relation to goods and services relevant for you. You will register only those things which you will use.

7. Is application of the Classification an obligatory condition with trademark registration?

In compliance with Rules of Compilation, Submission and Processing of Application on Registration of a Trademark and Service Trademark, approved by Order of Rospatent dated March 5, 2003 # 32 applying of the Nice Classification is an obligatory condition for trademark registration.

8. Can I register my trademark for all classes of the Nice Classification?

Certainly, you can register your trademark for all classes of goods and services specified in the Nice Classification.  But this procedure is unfeasible from the viewpoint of considerable financial and economic expenses (the amount of charges and state fees of Rospatent alone will compose more than 100,000 rubles). It is necessary to consider the fact that you are unlikely will use the trademark in relation to all classes. Chances are high that any person interested therein may file an application for an early termination of the trademark action for unused classes, in the result of which you will lose an exclusive right on the trademark for the given classes. Consequently, such considerable expenses will be made in vain.

9. What is the difference between the current edition of the Nice Classification 9th from edition of the Nice Classification 8th?

The Nice Classification 9th edition, accepted in 2006 and brought into force on January 1, 2007 has a range of differences from edition of the Nice Classification 8th.

Among significant differences it may be emphasized:

• according to the Nice Classification 9th edition a range of goods and services have been transferred to other classes, for example, legal services are attributed to class 45, whereas in the Nice Classification 8 edition this type of services was attributed to class 42.

• the 9th edition of International Classification of Goods and Services extends a list of services, related to the Internet and E-commerce. For example, the definition of the service “Provision of searching means for the Internet” includes the term “Internet” itself. Class 38 adds such types of service as “Supply of debating forms in the Internet” related to the Internet such as forums and blogs.

10.  Can I determine the class in accordance with the Nice Classification on my own?

Certainly, you can determine the class of your trademark on your own.  Even in case of utilization of all the information given on the site, but without essential practical skills you may make a mistake in accurate selection of the class. In case of incorrect class selection you risk to register your trademark under the classes not relevant for your business and to waste money as a result of this.