Goods & 服务 Classification

Goods & 服务 Classification

When you file a trademark, you don't just register the mark in the abstract. You register it for specific goods or services. Choosing the right classes is one of the most important decisions in the whole process — and the place where do-it-yourself filers most often get burned.

The Nice Classification System

The Nice Classification (named after Nice, France) divides all goods and services into 45 international classes. Classes 1–34 cover physical goods; classes 35–45 cover services. Thailand uses Nice like most countries.

Why Classes Matter

Your trademark protects you only within the classes you register in. If you sell coffee (Class 30) and someone else uses your name on clothing (Class 25), you generally cannot stop them — unless your mark is famous.

How to Pick the Right Classes

List every product and service you currently offer, and reasonably plan to offer in the next 3–5 years. Map each one to its Nice class. Don't just guess — getting this wrong can leave gaps that competitors exploit.

Common Mistakes

Too few: filing only one class to save money, leaving entire product lines unprotected. Too many: filing every class "just in case," wasting government fees and risking non-use cancellation. Wrong class: picking the wrong class for your actual goods/services and getting refused.

Examples

Coffee shop: Class 30 (coffee, tea) + Class 43 (food & beverage services). Apparel brand: Class 25 (clothing) + Class 35 (retail services). Software company: Class 9 (downloadable software) + Class 42 (SaaS).