Whether you’re a start-up or an established business, securing your trade mark is essential to protecting your brand’s identity. A crucial part of this process is understanding trade mark classes.

Some brand owners think that they may understand their products and services inside out, however advice from a Professional Attorney can provide clarity and expertise in correctly specifying their goods and services in an application.

At Tennant IP, we guide businesses through this important decision, ensuring their trade marks are protected in the correct categories, for the correct goods and services. Selecting an optimal specification ensures your intellectual property covers both your current activities and future business expansion.

What Are Trade Mark Classes?

Trade mark classes are used to categorise goods and services for trade mark registration under the Nice Classification system, which is used globally. There are 45 trade mark classes in total, split into goods and services:

• Classes 1-34: These cover goods such as food, clothing, electronics, and pharmaceuticals.
  • For example, Class 25 protects clothing, footwear, and headgear, while Class 30 applies to food products like coffee, tea, and pastries.
• Classes 35-45: These are for services, such as retail, legal, and tech services.
  • Class 35 covers services related to advertising, business management, and marketing, while Class 42 includes services for scientific research, technology, and software development.

The choice to choose the right goods and services in the classes from the outset, as you cannot add new goods and services to an application after filing.

Mike Tennant, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, explains: "Trade mark classes aren't just a formality. Properly categorizing your goods and services ensures that your trade mark is future-proofed, protecting your brand as your business evolves. The classification system is a guideline however, the art of comprehensive trade mark protection lies in correct specifying the goods and services you use, and intend to use, the proposed mark for".

The nuance of the Nice Classification system

Can you imagine administrators trying to fit every conceivable product or service into only 45 classes? The classification system is complicated, with strange nuances within the classification listings. You must remember that the list of the actual goods and services are more important than the actual class themselves, having a registration in a certain class does not provide exclusive right to all the products and services within those classes.

In fact, goods you may consider to be similar can appear in different classes and goods found in the same class can be completely dissimilar, for example:

• Jams and honey are in different classes.
• Tape measurers and sunglasses are in the same class.

The Registries review and update the classification guideline with an attempt to help the administration of applications and to cope with new advancements and technologies!

Why Proper Trade Mark Classification Matters for Your Business

Badly designating the goods and services in a trade mark application could leave part of your business unprotected, or worse, exposed to competitors using similar branding in categories you didn’t cover. For example, a business that produces cosmetics but fails to register for the relevant goods under Class 3 (cosmetics and toiletries) could find its brand vulnerable in that sector.

Tennant IP offers expert guidance to ensure that all aspects of your brand are covered. We assess your current and future business activities to select the most appropriate classes, providing comprehensive protection.

Case Study: Nakd - From Start-Up to Global Brand

When Nakd, a popular health food brand, first approached Tennant IP, they were a small start-up looking to secure their brand identity in a highly competitive market. Tennant IP ensured that Nakd’s trade marks were filed under the correct classes, including Class 29 (foodstuffs) and Class 30 (snack products), securing their product range both in the UK and internationally.

With our support, Nakd has grown into a global brand, with products now available in supermarkets worldwide. Most product range expansions in the future were already covered, which meant that re-filing new applications to plug any gaps were minimized.

The Classification Process: How Tennant IP Can Help You

At Tennant IP, we ask the right questions to ensure that your trade marks are filed in the appropriate classes, accounting for potential business growth and international expansion. We handle the full process, from conducting trade mark searches to full registration and filing services. Our experience ensures your trade marks are strategically protected.

Case Study: Neighbourly - Supporting International Growth

Neighbourly, a social impact platform, needed comprehensive protection for its rebranding and international growth. Tennant IP provided advice on choosing the right classes, such as Class 35 (charitable services) and Class 42 (technology platforms), ensuring their brand was secure in the UK and as they expanded internationally.

Understanding Key Trade Mark Classes

Here are a few key classes businesses often need to consider:

• Class 9: For electronic goods like software, mobile apps, and scientific instruments.
• Class 25: Protects clothing, footwear, and headgear.
• Class 35: Covers advertising, business management, and consultancy services.
• Class 41: Applies to education, entertainment, and cultural activities.
• Class 42: Protects services in the fields of science, technology, and software development.

Why Choose Tennant IP?

Navigating the trade mark classification process can be complex, especially for growing businesses or those entering new markets. Tennant IP offers expert guidance at every stage, ensuring your trade marks are robustly protected. We pride ourselves on long-term partnerships, helping brands like Nakd and Neighbourly grow with confidence.

If you’re considering registering your trade mark, contact us today. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of trade mark classification and ensure your brand is protected for the future.