A trademark is a unique and iconic symbol that can indicate the source of goods or services and generate widespread recognition and trust in market competition. As a form of intellectual property protection, trademark registration is a complex process, in which international classification is an important concept. So, let’s take a look at how international trademark registration is classified.
1. Definition of international classification.
International classification refers to the classification of goods and services and dividing them into different categories and groups. It is part of the international standards for trademark registration and is related to trademark registration and trademark use. The international classification is divided into 45 categories, of which the first 34 categories are commodity classifications and the last 11 categories are service classifications. These categories are classified according to certain rules, and specific products and services can be placed in the appropriate category.
2. The role of international classification.
The role of international classification is mainly reflected in the following aspects.
1. Classified management of goods and services.
By classifying goods and services, it provides convenience for trademark applicants and trademark rights holders, enabling them to quickly and accurately find the categories they need.
2. Trademark application and review management.
Based on the classification of goods and services, trademark rights holders can apply for and review trademarks in accordance with trademark rights and classification rules. This helps the trademark management department better understand the status of trademark applications and determine the validity and authenticity of trademark applications.
3. Trademark maintenance and management.
International classification standards provide trademark owners with a simplified process for registering and maintaining trademarks. Trademark rights holders have the right to maintain and manage trademarks based on the classification of their goods and services to protect their trademark rights.
3. The structure of international classification.
1. Classification of goods.
Commodity classification can be divided into categories 1 to 34, of which categories 1 to 29 are commodities in material form, and categories 30 to 34 are commodities in non-embodied form.
Category 1 includes chemical raw materials, chemical preparations and chemical products; Category 2 includes paints, dyes, pigments, etc.; Category 3 includes daily non-medical cosmetics, etc.; Category 4 includes industrial greases and oils. and lubricants, etc.; Category 5 includes medicines, etc.; Category 6 includes non-precious metals and metallic materials, etc.; Category 7 includes mechanical equipment, etc.; Category 8 includes manual cooking utensils, etc.; Category 9 includes installations in automobiles, railways, Air transportation and equipment on ships, etc.; Class 10 includes medical, dental and veterinary equipment, etc.; Class 11 includes lighting equipment, etc.; Class 12 includes vehicles and transportation equipment, etc.; Class 13 includes firearms, ammunition and fireworks, etc. ; Class 14 includes jewelry and watches; Class 15 includes musical instruments, etc.; Class 16 includes office supplies and printed materials, etc.; Class 17 includes rubber and plastic products, etc.; Class 18 includes leather goods and leather goods, etc.; Class 19 Including building materials, etc.; Class 20 includes furniture and decorations, etc.; Class 21 includes kitchen utensils, etc.; Class 22 includes ropes, sails and bags, etc.; Class 23 includes fiber yarns and threads, etc.; Class 24 includes Textiles and cloths, etc.; Class 25 includes clothing and shoes, etc.; Class 26 includes
Handicrafts and decorations, etc.; Class 27 includes flooring materials such as carpets and
Cloth products, etc.; Class 28 includes toys and sports equipment, etc.; Class 29 includes meat and meat products, fish and seafood, etc.; Class 30 includes coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, bread and spices, etc.; Category 31 includes agricultural, horticultural and forestry products; Category 32 includes beer, soda and beverages, etc.; Category 33 includes hard liquor, etc.; Category 34 includes cigarette absorbing products, etc.
2. Classification of services.
The service classification includes categories 35 to 45, of which categories 35 to 42 mainly involve commercial services; categories 43 to 45 mainly involve catering, accommodation and tourism services.
Class 35 includes business services such as advertising, marketing and consulting; Class 36 includes services such as insurance, finance and real estate; Class 37 includes services such as construction, repair and installation; Class 38 includes communications and Media and other services; Class 39 includes services such as transportation and travel; Class 40 includes services such as material processing, manufacturing and printing; Class 41 includes services such as education and entertainment; Class 42 includes services such as science and technology; Class 43 Including catering services, etc.; Class 44 includes medical, beauty and agricultural services. Class 45 includes legal, security and social welfare services.
4. Applicable rules of international classification.
1. Trademark applicants should choose the classification number to use based on the description of the goods and services they provide.
2. Trademark applicants can use multiple classification numbers appropriately according to the description of their goods and services.
3. If the goods or services involve multiple different categories, multiple classification numbers should be applied accordingly.
4. New goods or services should be regarded as applicable category numbers.
5. Goods and services should be classified according to the rules of international classification in order to provide better protection when applying for or solving trademark processing issues.
In short, international classification is one of the important standards for trademark registration. Understanding the role and structure of international classifications, and selecting and applying the corresponding classification numbers according to the applicable rules will not only help applicants register and manage trademarks more effectively, but also protect the protection and rights of trademarks. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand the relevant knowledge and rules of international classification.