What “classes” should I
include with my trademark application?
The
Canadian Intellecutal Property Office (CIPO)
uses the Nice Classification system, which has 45 classes to organize
goods and services for trademark applications. Classes 1-34 cover goods,
while Classes 35-45 cover services. This system helps in searching the
trademark database, assessing fees, and organizing the application process.
It is critically important
to choose the correct classes for your trademark. Your application only protects your name or
logo within the specific classes you apply for. If
you don’t include the correct class, someone else could register or use a
similar name in that class — potentially diluting your brand or creating
confusion.
However, there is a charge
for each class $279 per class, so picking too many classes
unnecessarily increases costs, but picking too few leaves you unprotected.