Can I add classes after registration?

No. To add protection in a new class, you must file a **new trademark application** for that class. This is why strategic class selection at the initial filing stage is important.

What if my product fits in multiple classes?

It depends on the product. Software distributed as a download is Class 9; the same software offered as a subscription service is Class 42. Some businesses legitimately need both. Consult the ID Manual or a professional for guidance.

How many classes should I file in?

There's no universal answer. Most small businesses start with 1–2 classes covering their primary offerings. Larger brands typically file in 3–5 classes. The right number depends on your product range, budget, and growth plans. --- *Not sure which classes to choose?* [Start with a free trademark check](/free-trademark-check) — our team will recommend the right classes for your business. *Last updated: February 2026.*

Nice Classification: Choosing Trademark Classes

Understanding Nice Classification for Trademarks

The Nice Classification system organizes all goods and services into 45 classes — 34 for goods (products) and 11 for services. Every trademark application requires you to specify at least one class, and your protection is limited to the classes you file in.

Choosing the right classes is one of the most consequential decisions in the filing process.

Why Class Selection Matters

Financial Impact

Each additional class costs $350 in USPTO government fees. Filing in 3 classes instead of 1 triples your government fees from $350 to $1,050. Strategic class selection balances protection breadth with cost efficiency.

Legal Impact

Your trademark protection extends only to the goods/services in your registered classes. If you sell software (Class 9) but only register for consulting services (Class 35), your mark isn't protected for the software itself.

Examination Impact

Overly broad or incorrect class selection triggers Office Actions, causing delays and additional costs. Using pre-approved descriptions from the USPTO ID Manual streamlines examination.

The 45 Nice Classes at a Glance

Goods (Classes 1–34)

Class	Category	Examples
1	Chemicals	Industrial chemicals, fertilizers, adhesives
2	Paints	Paints, varnishes, lacquers, coatings
3	Cosmetics	Cleaning agents, cosmetics, skincare
4	Lubricants & Fuels	Oils, greases, candles, wicks
5	Pharmaceuticals	Medicines, supplements, hygiene products
9	Technology	Software, hardware, electronics, apps
14	Jewelry	Precious metals, watches, jewelry
16	Paper & Printed Matter	Stationery, books, packaging
18	Leather Goods	Bags, luggage, wallets, umbrellas
21	Housewares	Kitchen utensils, glassware, ceramics
25	Clothing	Apparel, footwear, headwear
28	Games & Toys	Games, toys, sporting equipment
29	Processed Foods	Meat, dairy, preserved foods
30	Staple Foods	Coffee, tea, bakery, confectionery
32	Beverages	Non-alcoholic beverages, beer
33	Alcoholic Beverages	Wines, spirits, liqueurs

Services (Classes 35–45)

Class	Category	Examples
35	Advertising & Business	Marketing, retail, business management
36	Financial Services	Banking, insurance, real estate
38	Telecommunications	Broadcasting, internet services
39	Transportation	Shipping, travel, logistics
41	Education & Entertainment	Training, publishing, events
42	Technology Services	SaaS, web development, IT consulting
43	Food & Hospitality	Restaurants, hotels, catering
44	Medical Services	Healthcare, veterinary, beauty salons
45	Legal & Security	Legal services, personal services, security

How to Choose the Right Classes

Step 1: List Everything Your Brand Covers

Write down all products you sell and services you provide. Include planned expansions within the next 1–2 years.

Step 2: Map to Nice Classes

Use the WIPO Nice Classification tool or the USPTO ID Manual to find the correct class for each item.

Step 3: Prioritize

If cost is a concern, prioritize the classes that cover your primary revenue sources and most distinctive offerings.

Step 4: Consider Strategic Classes

Think about where competitors operate and where you plan to expand. Filing in a class now is much cheaper than fighting an infringement battle later.

Common Class Selection Mistakes

1. Filing Too Narrowly

A clothing brand that only files in Class 25 (clothing) but also sells accessories (Class 18 — bags) and jewelry (Class 14) leaves significant gaps in protection.

2. Filing Too Broadly

Filing in 8 classes "just in case" costs $2,800 in government fees alone and may trigger Office Actions for goods/services you don't actually offer. For ITU applications, you'll need to prove use in every class filed.

3. Confusing Product vs. Service Classes

A restaurant selling bottled hot sauce needs:

Class 43 for restaurant services
Class 30 for the hot sauce product

These are separate classes requiring separate fees.

4. Choosing Class 35 for Everything

Class 35 covers advertising, business management, and retail services — not the products being sold. An online store selling shoes needs Class 25 (footwear), not just Class 35 (online retail services).

5. Using Vague Descriptions

"Technology services" is too vague. "Software as a service (SaaS) featuring project management tools" is specific and maps clearly to Class 42. Pre-approved descriptions from the ID Manual avoid this issue.

Multi-Class Filing Strategy

Strategy	When to Use	Cost Consideration
Core class only	Budget-conscious, single product line	$350 government fee
Core + adjacent classes	Established brand with diversified offerings	$700–$1,050
Comprehensive coverage	Enterprise brands, preventing competitive filing	$1,400+

GTC multi-country discount: When filing in multiple countries, we offer a 10% discount on service fees. View our pricing hub for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Nice Classification: How to Choose the Right Trademark Classes