Goods And Services Classification In A Trademark Application

• Why is Classification of a TM application so important?

A mark can only be protected in connection with the goods or services applied for. Therefore, it is of great importance that you register your trademarks in all classes in which you intend to use them.

This is why, for example, the word APPLE can be used without confusion by different companies for different products such as the widely known APPLE computer brand (now Apple INC) and the APPLE corps brand (owned by The Beatles).

The indication of goods and services corresponds to one of the essential characteristics of a trademark (Article 4(a) EUTMR). "Goods" are products, generally tangible items like plastics, food or clothing. "Services" are services provided to others, such as legal services, restaurant services or administrative services. Most countries in the world employ the NICE classification system (see below)