China Trademark Classes: A Complete Guide | China Trademark Classes: A Complete Guide

📋 Key Takeaway

China uses the Nice Classification system with 45 classes of goods and services. Choosing the right classes is critical for comprehensive trademark protection. This guide explains the classification system, helps you select the right classes, and provides strategies for multi-class registration.

📖 Understanding China's Trademark Classification System

What is the Nice Classification?

The Nice Classification is an international system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration. Established in 1957 by the Nice Agreement, it's used by over 150 countries, including China.

Key Features:

✓45 classes total (34 for goods, 11 for services)
✓Hierarchical structure with classes, headings, and detailed items
✓Updated every 5 years (current version: 13th edition, 2025)
✓Standardized across all member countries

Why Classification Matters

Legal Protection:

✓Trademark rights are limited to registered classes
✓Protection only covers goods/services in your application
✓Incomplete classification leaves gaps in protection
✓Wrong classification can invalidate your registration

Business Strategy:

✓Affects cost (fees per class)
✓Determines scope of protection
✓Influences enforcement capabilities
✓Impacts future expansion plans

Practical Impact:

✓Search results vary by class
✓Opposition risks differ by class
✓Monitoring requirements change
✓Licensing opportunities affected

📦 The 45 Classes Explained

Goods (Classes 1-34)

Class 1: Chemicals

✓Chemicals for industry and science
✓Examples: Adhesives, fertilizers, industrial chemicals
✓Common users: Manufacturing, agriculture, research

Class 2: Paints and Varnishes

✓Paints, varnishes, rust preventatives
✓Examples: Industrial coatings, wood stains
✓Common users: Construction, manufacturing

Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning

✓Cosmetics, cleaning preparations, perfumes
✓Examples: Skincare, haircare, household cleaners
✓Common users: Beauty, personal care, cleaning services

Class 4: Lubricants and Fuels

✓Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels
✓Examples: Motor oil, industrial grease
✓Common users: Automotive, manufacturing, energy

Class 5: Pharmaceuticals

✓Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations
✓Examples: Medicines, vitamins, medical supplies
✓Common users: Healthcare, pharmaceuticals

Class 6: Common Metals

✓Common metals and their alloys
✓Examples: Steel, aluminum, metal building materials
✓Common users: Construction, manufacturing

Class 7: Machines

✓Machines and machine tools
✓Examples: Industrial machinery, engines
✓Common users: Manufacturing, construction

Class 8: Hand Tools

✓Hand tools and implements
✓Examples: Cutlery, razors, hand tools
✓Common users: Construction, crafts, personal care

Class 9: Electronics

✓Scientific, electrical, photographic apparatus
✓Examples: Computers, software, cameras, smartphones
✓Common users: Technology, electronics, photography

Class 10: Medical Apparatus

✓Medical apparatus and instruments
✓Examples: Surgical instruments, dental equipment
✓Common users: Healthcare, medical devices

Class 11: Environmental Control

✓Environmental control apparatus
✓Examples: HVAC, lighting, plumbing
✓Common users: Construction, home improvement

Class 12: Vehicles

✓Vehicles and their parts
✓Examples: Cars, trucks, bicycles, aircraft
✓Common users: Automotive, transportation

Class 13: Firearms

✓Firearms and ammunition
✓Examples: Guns, ammunition, explosives
✓Common users: Defense, hunting

Class 14: Jewelry

✓Jewelry and precious stones
✓Examples: Watches, rings, necklaces
✓Common users: Jewelry, fashion, luxury goods

Class 15: Musical Instruments

✓Musical instruments
✓Examples: Pianos, guitars, drums
✓Common users: Music, entertainment

Class 16: Paper Goods

✓Paper goods and printed matter
✓Examples: Books, magazines, stationery
✓Common users: Publishing, education, office supplies

Class 17: Rubber Goods

✓Rubber and their products
✓Examples: Rubber sheets, hoses, insulation
✓Common users: Manufacturing, construction

Class 18: Leather Goods

✓Leather and imitations of leather
✓Examples: Bags, wallets, belts
✓Common users: Fashion, accessories

Class 19: Building Materials

✓Non-metallic building materials
✓Examples: Cement, bricks, wood
✓Common users: Construction, real estate

Class 20: Furniture

✓Furniture and articles not otherwise classified
✓Examples: Chairs, tables, mattresses
✓Common users: Home furnishing, office

Class 21: Housewares

✓Household utensils and containers
✓Examples: Cookware, cleaning tools, glassware
✓Common users: Home, kitchen

Class 22: Cordage and Fibers

✓Ropes, nets, tents, awnings
✓Examples: Ropes, sails, bags
✓Common users: Outdoor, industrial

Class 23: Yarns and Threads

✓Yarns and threads for textile use
✓Examples: Cotton yarn, silk thread
✓Common users: Textile, fashion

Class 24: Fabrics

✓Textiles and textile goods
✓Examples: Bed linen, tablecloths, curtains
✓Common users: Home furnishing, fashion

Class 25: Clothing

✓Clothing, footwear, headgear
✓Examples: Shirts, shoes, hats
✓Common users: Fashion, apparel

Class 26: Fancy Goods

✓Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid
✓Examples: Buttons, zippers, artificial flowers
✓Common users: Fashion, crafts

Class 27: Floor Coverings

✓Carpets, rugs, mats and matting
✓Examples: Floor tiles, wallpaper
✓Common users: Home furnishing, construction

Class 28: Toys and Sporting Goods

✓Games, toys, sporting goods
✓Examples: Board games, sports equipment
✓Common users: Entertainment, sports

Class 29: Meats and Processed Foods

✓Meat, fish, poultry, preserved foods
✓Examples: Canned goods, frozen foods
✓Common users: Food industry, retail

Class 30: Staple Foods

✓Coffee, tea, cocoa, rice, pasta
✓Examples: Bread, cereals, spices
✓Common users: Food industry, retail

Class 31: Natural Agricultural Products

✓Agricultural, horticultural products
✓Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, grains
✓Common users: Agriculture, retail

Class 32: Light Beverages

✓Beer, mineral water, soft drinks
✓Examples: Juices, energy drinks
✓Common users: Beverage industry

Class 33: Wine and Spirits

✓Alcoholic beverages (except beer)
✓Examples: Wine, whiskey, vodka
✓Common users: Beverage industry, hospitality

Class 34: Smoker's Articles

✓Tobacco, smokers' articles, matches
✓Examples: Cigarettes, cigars, lighters
✓Common users: Tobacco industry

Services (Classes 35-45)

Class 35: Advertising and Business

✓Advertising, business management
✓Examples: Marketing, consulting, retail services
✓Common users: Marketing, consulting, retail

Class 36: Insurance and Financial

✓Insurance, financial affairs
✓Examples: Banking, insurance, real estate
✓Common users: Finance, insurance, real estate

Class 37: Building Construction

✓Building construction, repair
✓Examples: Construction, maintenance, installation
✓Common users: Construction, maintenance

Class 38: Telecommunications

✓Telecommunications
✓Examples: Phone services, internet, broadcasting
✓Common users: Telecom, media, technology

Class 39: Transportation and Storage

✓Transport, packaging, storage
✓Examples: Shipping, logistics, warehousing
✓Common users: Logistics, transportation

Class 40: Treatment of Materials

✓Treatment of materials
✓Examples: Manufacturing, recycling, printing
✓Common users: Manufacturing, recycling

Class 41: Education and Entertainment

✓Education, training, entertainment
✓Examples: Schools, sports, cultural activities
✓Common users: Education, entertainment

Class 42: Scientific and Technological

✓Scientific and technological services
✓Examples: IT services, research, design
✓Common users: Technology, research, consulting

Class 43: Services for Food and Drink

✓Services for providing food and drink
✓Examples: Restaurants, catering, hotels
✓Common users: Hospitality, food service

Class 44: Medical and Beauty Care

✓Medical services, veterinary, hygienic
✓Examples: Hospitals, beauty salons, agriculture
✓Common users: Healthcare, beauty, agriculture

Class 45: Personal and Legal Services

✓Personal and legal services
✓Examples: Security, legal, funeral services
✓Common users: Legal, security, personal services

🎯 How to Choose the Right Classes

Step 1: Identify Your Core Business

Questions to Ask:

✓What products do you sell?
✓What services do you provide?
✓What is your primary business activity?
✓What are your main revenue sources?

Example:

✓Software company: Class 9 (software), Class 42 (IT services)
✓Clothing brand: Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (retail)
✓Restaurant: Class 43 (food service), Class 29-30 (food products)

Step 2: Consider Related Classes

Why It Matters:

✓Protects against similar businesses
✓Covers future expansion
✓Prevents competitors from related fields
✓Comprehensive brand protection

Strategy:

✓Identify classes where confusion could occur
✓Consider classes where you might expand
✓Look at competitor registrations
✓Think about licensing opportunities

Step 3: Evaluate Cost vs. Coverage

Cost Considerations:

✓Each class requires separate fee (¥300 + agent fee)
✓Multiple classes increase total cost
✓Balance coverage with budget
✓Prioritize most important classes

Coverage Strategy:

✓Start with core classes
✓Add related classes over time
✓Monitor market changes
✓Adjust based on business growth

Step 4: Use RTMCN's Expertise

Why Professional Help:

✓Deep knowledge of classification system
✓Experience with CNIPA requirements
✓Understanding of industry standards
✓Strategic planning capabilities

RTMCN's Service:

✓Comprehensive classification analysis
✓Strategic recommendations
✓Cost-effective planning
✓Future-proof strategy

🔄 Multi-Class Registration Strategies

Strategy 1: Core + Related

Approach:

✓Register core business class first
✓Add closely related classes
✓Expand as business grows
✓Monitor competitor activity

Example:

✓Core: Class 42 (software)
✓Related: Class 9 (software products), Class 35 (SaaS services)
✓Future: Class 38 (cloud services), Class 41 (training)

Strategy 2: Defensive Registration

Approach:

✓Register in classes where squatters might file
✓Protect against competitors in related fields
✓Cover potential expansion areas
✓Prevent trademark dilution

Example:

✓Core: Class 25 (clothing)
✓Defensive: Class 18 (bags), Class 14 (jewelry), Class 35 (retail)

Strategy 3: Industry Coverage

Approach:

✓Register across entire industry value chain
✓Cover all relevant goods and services
✓Comprehensive protection
✓Maximum brand control

Example:

✓Manufacturing: Class 7 (machinery), Class 11 (equipment)
✓Products: Class 9 (electronics), Class 12 (vehicles)
✓Services: Class 37 (repair), Class 42 (design)

Strategy 4: Geographic Expansion

Approach:

✓Register for international markets
✓Consider regional variations
✓Plan for global protection
✓Coordinate with Madrid Protocol

Example:

✓Domestic: Core classes
✓International: Add classes for target markets
✓Regional: Consider local requirements

⚠️ Common Classification Mistakes

Mistake 1: Too Narrow

Problem:

✓Limited protection scope
✓Gaps for competitors
✓Need to refile later
✓Higher long-term costs

Solution:

✓Use broad class descriptions
✓Include related items
✓Think about future needs
✓Consult with experts

Mistake 2: Too Broad

Problem:

✓Higher initial costs
✓Potential objections
✓Maintenance burden
✓May not be enforceable

Solution:

✓Focus on actual business
✓Be specific in descriptions
✓Prioritize important items
✓Balance coverage vs. cost

Mistake 3: Wrong Class

Problem:

✓Application rejection
✓Lost time and fees
✓Need to restart
✓Competitive disadvantage

Solution:

✓Research thoroughly
✓Use professional guidance
✓Check CNIPA database
✓Verify with examples

Mistake 4: Ignoring Future Needs

Problem:

✓Missed opportunities
✓Competitor advantage
✓Need to rebrand
✓Lost market position

Solution:

✓Plan for expansion
✓Consider related industries
✓Monitor market trends
✓Update registrations

✅ RTMCN's Classification Expertise

Our Approach

Comprehensive Analysis:

✓Review business activities
✓Identify all relevant classes
✓Consider future expansion
✓Evaluate competitive landscape

Strategic Planning:

✓Prioritize core classes
✓Plan for growth
✓Cost-effective strategy
✓Risk assessment

Implementation:

✓Accurate classification
✓Complete documentation
✓Timely filing
✓Ongoing monitoring

Why Choose RTMCN

Experience:

✓Licensed CNIPA agent
✓100% success rate
✓Deep industry knowledge
✓Local expertise

Service:

✓Personal consultation
✓Custom strategy
✓Transparent pricing
✓Ongoing support

Results:

✓Comprehensive protection
✓Cost-effective solution
✓Future-proof planning
✓Peace of mind

🚀 Next Steps

✓View All 45 Classes →
✓Get a Free Classification Analysis →
✓Learn About Registration Costs →
✓Contact RTMCN for Expert Guidance →

🔗 Source Links

✓Nice Classification: https://www.wipo.int/classifications/nice/
✓CNIPA Official Website: http://www.cnipa.gov.cn/
✓China Trademark Law: http://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2019/11/1/art_53_1492.html
✓Madrid Protocol: https://www.wipo.int/madrid/en/

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with a licensed trademark agent for guidance specific to your situation.