Trademark class: the 45 Nice classes and how to choose
Trademarks are filed in 45 Nice classes: 1 to 34 for goods and 35 to 45 for services. A separate fee applies to each class.
Short answer
A trademark class is one of the 45 categories into which goods and services are grouped for trademark registration under the international Nice Classification, which India follows. Classes 1 to 34 cover goods and classes 35 to 45 cover services. Protection applies only to the registered classes.
- System
- Nice Classification
- Total classes
- 45
- Goods
- Classes 1 to 34
- Services
- Classes 35 to 45
Common classes for startups
Choosing the right classes depends on what you sell now and plan to sell. These are frequently used by Indian startups, though the exact description of goods and services within each class also matters.
- Class 9: downloadable software, mobile apps, electronic devices
- Class 35: advertising, business management, online retail services
- Class 36: financial and insurance-related services
- Class 41: education, training and entertainment
- Class 42: SaaS, software development and IT services
- Class 25: clothing and footwear
- Class 43: restaurants, cafés and food services
Filing in multiple classes
India allows a single application to cover multiple classes, but the official fee is charged for each class. The specification of goods or services should be accurate: too narrow and competitors can use the mark for related products, too broad and the application may draw objections or vulnerability to non-use cancellation later. Searching existing marks in each class before filing reduces the risk of conflict.
Why it matters for startups
A food delivery app, for example, may need classes 9, 35, 39 and 43 to cover the app, the platform, delivery and food services. Map your current products and the next two or three years of expansion, then file in the classes that matter commercially. Adding a class later needs a fresh application with a later priority date.
Related services
Sources
Written by the Refogo Editorial Team from the official sources above and checked on 2026-10-31. Laws, rates and due dates change, and authorities often extend deadlines, so confirm your own case with a qualified professional. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error to support@refogo.com.
Common questions
How many classes should I file a trademark in?
As many as cover your current and near-term products and services. Each class has a separate fee, so prioritise the ones that matter commercially.
Which class is used for a SaaS product?
Usually class 42 for software as a service, often together with class 9 for downloadable software and class 35 for related business services.
Can someone else register my brand in a different class?
Possibly, if the goods or services are unrelated and there is no confusion. Well-known marks get wider protection.