Background knowledge

What is the

NIZZA-

Classification?

Nizza-Klassifikation

Die Nizza-Klassifikation ist ein international anerkanntes System zur Einteilung von Waren und Dienstleistungen für die Eintragung von Marken. Sie wurde am 15. Juni 1957 auf der diplomatischen Konferenz von Nizza beschlossen und dient seitdem als Grundlage für die Klassifizierung im Markenrecht. Die Klassifikation wird regelmäßig überarbeitet, um den aktuellen Entwicklungen gerecht zu werden. Die jeweils aktuelle Version finden Sie z.B. auf der Seite des DPMA.

Purpose of the Nice Classification

Die Hauptfunktion der Nizza-Klassifikation besteht darin, bei der Markenanmeldung die beanspruchten Waren und Dienstleistungen systematisch zu ordnen. Durch die Einteilung in spezifische Klassen wird der Schutzbereich einer Marke klar definiert. Dies erleichtert die Recherche nach bestehenden Marken und minimiert das Risiko von Kollisionen zwischen ähnlichen Marken in denselben oder verwandten Klassen. Zudem ermöglicht es den Markenämtern weltweit, Anmeldungen effizient zu bearbeiten und zu verwalten.

Structure of the Nice Classification

The Nice Classification comprises a total of 45 classes, of which 34 are for goods (classes 1-34) and 11 for services (classes 35-45). Each class is defined by a class heading that describes the general scope of the goods or services it contains. In addition, explanatory notes provide further details on the exact delimitation of the class contents.

The list is not exhaustive. Goods and services that are not included in the Nice Classification can also be registered. However, these will then also be thematically assigned to a class.

Overview of the focal points of the individual classes

Below you will find a rough overview of the focal points of the individual classes:

Classes of goods

Class 1: Chemical products for commercial, scientific and industrial use.
Class 2: Paints, varnishes, rust inhibitors and wood preservatives.
Class 3: Detergents, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics.
Class 4: Industrial oils and greases, lubricants, fuels.
Class 5: Pharmaceutical and veterinary products, dietetic foodstuffs.
Class 6: Base metals and their alloys, metal construction products.
Class 7: Machines and machine tools.
Class 8: Hand tools and cutlery.
Class 9: Scientific, nautical and electrical apparatus, computer hardware and software.
Class 10: Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary instruments.
Class 11: Lighting, heating and cooking appliances.
Class 12: Vehicles and their parts.
Class 13: Firearms, ammunition and explosives.
Class 14: Precious metals, jewelry, watches.
Class 15: Musical instruments.
Class 16: Stationery, printed matter, writing materials.
Class 17: Rubber, rubber, asbestos and substitutes.
Class 18: Leather and imitation leather, suitcases and trunks.
Class 19: Building materials (non-metal), asphalt, tar.
Class 20: Furniture, mirrors, picture frames.
Class 21: Household and kitchen utensils, glassware, porcelain.
Class 22: Ropes, nets, tents, tarpaulins.
Class 23: Yarns and threads for textile purposes.
Class 24: Textiles, bed and table coverings.
Class 25: Clothing, footwear, headgear.
Class 26: Lace and embroidery, ribbons and cords, buttons.
Class 27: Carpets, mats, linoleum.
Class 28: Games, toys, gym and sports equipment.
Class 29: Meat, fish, poultry, canned meat and fish.
Class 30: Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, flour, bakery products.
Class 31: Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products, live animals.
Class 32: Beers, mineral waters, non-alcoholic beverages.
Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beers).
Class 34: Tobacco, smoking articles, matches.

Service classes

Class 35: Advertising, business management and office work, including marketing and personnel management.
Class 36: Financial and insurance services and real estate transactions.
Class 37: Construction and repair services and installation work.
Class 38: Telecommunication services such as telephony and internet services.
Class 39: Transportation, storage and travel events.
Class 40: Processing and finishing of materials, including recycling and printing services.
Class 41: Educational and entertainment services and sporting and cultural activities.
Class 42: Scientific and technological services, including research and development and IT services.
Class 43: ‘Catering and accommodation services, such as restaurants and hotels.
Class 44: ‘Medical and veterinary services, health and beauty care, agricultural, horticultural and forestry services’.
Class 45: Legal services, personal and social services, security services