Nice Classification: Summary of Goods and Services for Trademark Registration

The Nice Classification constitutes the cornerstone of the international system used to organize goods and services for trademark registration purposes. It was established under the Nice Agreement (1957) and is administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Currently, the system categorizes goods and services into 45 classes, thereby harmonizing criteria at the international level and facilitating the management and protection of trademarks across multiple jurisdictions, including Ecuador.

Goods Classes (Classes 1–34)

The first 34 classes correspond to goods. A general overview is provided below:

Class 1: Chemicals for use in industry, agriculture, science and research.
Class 2: Paints, varnishes, lacquers, colorants and resins.
Class 3: Cleaning preparations, perfumery and cosmetics.
Class 4: Industrial oils, lubricants and fuels.
Class 5: Pharmaceutical, veterinary and medicinal preparations and supplements.
Class 6: Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials.
Class 7: Machines, motors and industrial machinery.
Class 8: Hand tools and manually operated implements.
Class 9: Scientific apparatus, electronic devices, software and technological equipment.
Class 10: Medical and surgical apparatus and instruments.
Class 11: Apparatus for lighting, heating, refrigeration and sanitary purposes.
Class 12: Vehicles and means of transportation.
Class 13: Firearms and ammunition.
Class 14: Precious metals, jewelry and horological instruments.
Class 15: Musical instruments.
Class 16: Paper, cardboard, printed matter and office supplies.
Class 17: Rubber, plastics and insulating materials.
Class 18: Leather goods, luggage and bags.
Class 19: Non-metallic building materials.
Class 20: Furniture, mirrors and goods made of wood or plastic.
Class 21: Household or kitchen utensils and containers.
Class 22: Ropes, nets, sacks and raw textile materials.
Class 23: Textile yarns and threads.
Class 24: Textiles and textile goods.
Class 25: Clothing, footwear and headgear.
Class 26: Haberdashery and textile accessories.
Class 27: Carpets, rugs and floor coverings.
Class 28: Games, toys and sporting articles.
Class 29: Food products of animal origin and processed foods.
Class 30: Food products of plant origin, coffee, flour and related preparations.
Class 31: Agricultural products, fresh produce and live animals.
Class 32: Beers and non-alcoholic beverages.
Class 33: Alcoholic beverages (except beers).
Class 34: Tobacco and smokers’ articles.

Each class includes an indicative list of goods; however, it is essential to review the specific class headings and explanatory notes to determine the appropriate classification in each case.

Services Classes (Classes 35–45)

Classes 35 to 45 correspond to services and are generally organized as follows:

Class 35: Advertising; business management and commercial administration.
Class 36: Financial, monetary and real estate services.
Class 37: Construction and repair services.
Class 38: Telecommunications services.
Class 39: Transport and storage services.
Class 40: Treatment and transformation of materials.
Class 41: Education and entertainment services.
Class 42: Scientific and technological services; software development.
Class 43: Food and drink services; temporary accommodation.
Class 44: Medical, veterinary and beauty care services.
Class 45: Legal and security services.

Practical Considerations

The proper determination of the relevant class constitutes an essential step in the trademark registration process and facilitates enforcement actions in the event of potential third-party conflicts.

Although the Nice Classification provides clear guidelines, its correct application requires a technical assessment of the applicant’s business activities and the manner in which the goods or services will be effectively offered in the marketplace.

Adequate legal counsel at this stage helps prevent office actions, oppositions and unnecessary limitations in trademark protection.

At Quevedo & Ponce, we provide specialized advice in determining the appropriate class, ensuring that trademarks are supported by a solid legal framework that enables secure growth and market positioning.