Trademark Classification is similar to the departments in a store. Stores categorize merchandise into departments to help you find the products you are looking for, like women’s clothing, household appliances, or bed linen. Similarly, trademark classification is a way to categorize goods and services to help you search for goods and services that are similar or related to yours.

There are 45 classes, or categories, that cover all goods and services. Classes 1-34 are for goods, classes 35-45 are for services. Each class can cover a wide range of goods or services. For example, class 25 covers clothing and class 35 covers online retail store services.

The International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks was established by an Agreement in Nice, France. So the international classification is also called “Nice Classification” which is slightly different than the U.S. Trademark Classification.

The U.S. Classification can be easily verified online using the Trademark ID Manual. The search for the Nice Classification can be done at the WIPO IP Portal.