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Intellectual Property Offices worldwide use a trade mark classification system that groups together similar goods or services into 45 different classes. This is often referred to as the

Each class contains a list of pre-approved terms. These cover all the goods or services included in that class.

• goods are listed in classes 1 to 34

• services are listed in classes 35 to 45

All classes have a broad heading explaining what鈥檚 covered in that particular class. This is only a general indication and doesn鈥檛 include all the goods or services in that class.

Choosing the right classes for your application

It鈥檚 important you choose the correct:

• class, or classes for your goods and/or services

• pre-approved terms within each class

When completing your application to register a trade mark because once you file your application, you can鈥檛 add more classes or pre-approved terms.

For example

• If the trade mark鈥檚 to be used on your own clothing line, you鈥檇 choose class 25 (clothing, footwear and headgear)

• If the trade mark鈥檚 to be used on a shop that sells other peoples products, you鈥檇 choose class 35 (Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions) and select the pre-approved term 鈥楻etail services in relation to clothing鈥�

Plan ahead

Don鈥檛 just focus on the goods and/or services that you currently use or intend to use your trade mark on. A registered trade mark lasts for 10 years, so think how you may want to expand your brand during this time.

Including classes that you think you鈥檒l want to expand your brand into could save you time and money.

However, it is important to note that a registered trade mark can be revoked if it鈥檚 not used for five years.

For example

You file an application to register your trade mark in class 25 (clothing, footwear and headgear) and then decide to expand your brand into hand bags, which is covered by class 18.

As the application you have filed only covers you for class 25, you have to file another application to register your trade mark in class 18.

You could have avoided the extra cost making a new application by including both classes in the first application. You鈥檇 also have to pay two sets of renewal fees.

Choosing the wrong class can mean a worthless registration

Make sure you select the right class or classes for your trade mark.

For example;

If you use your trade mark on alcohol, you鈥檇 need to select the right class for its intended use, as:

• class 1 covers alcohol used in chemical

• class 33 covers alcoholic beverages (except beers)

Fee for extra classes

One class is included in the cost of a trade mark application. Extra classes cost an additional 拢50 per class.

For example

A single online trade mark application covering one class will cost 拢170.

The same application covering three classes will cost 拢270:

• 拢170 for the application and first class
• 拢100 for the two extra classes (拢50 each)

Note that you only pay for the class, not the number of pre-approved terms you select within a class.

Help with classifying goods and services

If you鈥檙e not sure which class or classes you need, you can use the classification search tool .

This will help you search for and classify, the goods and/or services you need to apply to register your trade mark.

A tutorial is also available.

You can also:

• email the Intellectual Property Office Classification Team at [email protected]. You will usually receive a response within 1 working day

• speak to a Trade Mark Attorney. can help you locate one in your area