Nice Classification

The Nice Classification, commonly referred to as NCL, is an internationally recognised system used to classify goods and services for the purposes of trademark registration. It provides a standardised framework that enables trademark offices and applicants to identify and categorise the goods or services to which a mark applies.

The Nice Agreement is the multilateral treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that established the Nice Classification. It was concluded in Nice on 15 June 1957 and entered into force on 8 April 1961.

The Agreement has since been revised in Stockholm in 1967 and in Geneva in 1977, and was further modified in 1979.

Trademark offices in countries party to the Agreement are required to indicate the relevant Nice classes in their official records and publications relating to the registration of marks. This ensures consistency and transparency in the classification of goods and services across jurisdictions.

The use of a single classification system significantly simplifies the preparation of trademark applications and ensures consistency across jurisdictions. Goods and services are categorised in the same manner in all participating countries, which streamlines multi-jurisdictional filings.

As the Classification is available in multiple languages, applicants also benefit from reduced translation effort when filing in foreign jurisdictions.

The list of contracting parties is maintained and regularly updated by WIPO. The most current list may be accessed directly through the WIPO website.

Approximately 150 trademark offices worldwide apply the Nice Classification, including both member and non-member countries.

Four regional organisations also adopt the system, namely OAPI, ARIPO, BOIP and EUIPO. WIPO’s International Bureau likewise applies the Classification under the Madrid System for international trademark registration.

The Classification consists of a list of classes accompanied by explanatory notes and an alphabetical list of goods and services.

There are 34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services, giving a total of 45 classes. Class headings describe each class in broad terms, while the explanatory notes provide further detail. The alphabetical list contains approximately 10,000 indications of goods and 1,000 indications of services.

Classes are grouped into two broad bands:

• Classes 1–34 (Goods) cover tangible products, from chemicals and pharmaceuticals to clothing, food, machinery and consumer electronics.
• Classes 35–45 (Services) cover intangible offerings, including advertising, financial services, telecommunications, education, legal services and more.

For the Malaysian breakdown, see our Malaysia Trademark Classification reference.

The Hierarchy is a tree structure developed within each of the 45 classes by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) together with the national trademark offices of the European Union and with WIPO’s collaboration.

Within NCLPub, the Hierarchical view displays this structure, while the Full view presents the goods and services arranged according to the hierarchy.

No. Although derived from the Nice Classification, the Hierarchy does not form part of it and does not bind countries of the Nice Union.

Under Article 1(2) of the Nice Agreement, the Classification consists solely of the list of classes with explanatory notes and the alphabetical list of goods and services. The Hierarchy is offered through NCLPub as a supplementary search and organisational tool.

Yes. The Classification is reviewed on an ongoing basis to keep pace with developments in commerce and technology.

A new edition is published every five years, and since 2013, a new version of the current edition has been released annually. Revisions are carried out by the Committee of Experts established under the Nice Agreement, of which all member states are part.

Versions are published annually and incorporate changes adopted by the Committee of Experts since the previous version, such as additions, deletions, or modifications to indications of goods and services, class headings, or explanatory notes.

Editions are published approximately every five years and consolidate all changes and amendments, including the transfer of goods or services between classes or the creation of new classes.

New versions enter into force on 1 January of each year.

To support advance planning, an early publication of the upcoming version is made available for download or consultation six months prior to its effective date.

The authentic versions of the Nice Classification in English and French are published online by WIPO.

The printed publication was discontinued after the 10th edition released in June 2011. Since the 2013 version of that edition, the Classification has been made available exclusively in digital format.

NCLPub is the current official online publication of the Nice Classification. Launched in early 2013, it provides access to the current edition and version of the Classification and includes links to all previous editions for reference purposes.

The complete Nice Classification is available exclusively online. There is no printed edition currently in circulation.

Users may access the Classification through WIPO’s website, with the option to print selected sections via the Download function within NCLPub or the Download and IT Support area.

The Classification is available for download in PDF and XML formats through the Download and IT Support area on the WIPO website.

Revision files are also provided in Excel format for the list of goods and services and in Word format for the list of classes and the list of classes with explanatory notes. Further technical details are available in the master files specification documentation.

No fee is charged by WIPO for downloading and using the Classification files.

However, users are required to acknowledge WIPO’s copyright where the Classification is integrated into a website or other service. Full terms are set out in the conditions of use within the Download and IT Support area.

Yes. Every Malaysian trademark application must specify one or more of the 45 Nice classes that correspond to the goods and services for which protection is sought.

Selecting the correct class is critical, an incorrect class can render the registration ineffective against an infringer operating in a different category. Quality Oracle’s registered agents will guide you on the appropriate classification before filing.

Yes. A single Malaysian application can cover multiple classes, but additional official fees apply per class.

Our team will scope your goods and services across all relevant classes, so your portfolio covers every aspect of your commercial activity from day one.