(Understanding the 45 Classes Under the Nice Classification System and Why Proper Categorisation Matters)
Trademark protection in Nigeria operates under the Nice Classification System, a globally accepted framework that divides trademarks into 45 distinct classes — 34 for goods and 11 for services. Administered by the Trademarks, Patents and Designs Registry, Commercial Law Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, this system ensures that intellectual property rights are structured, enforceable, and industry-specific.
At Chaman Law Firm, we approach trademark classification not as a mere administrative step, but as a legal strategy. Selecting the right class is foundational to brand protection, commercial value, enforcement strength, and future expansion potential.
GOODS CLASSES (1 – 34)
Class 1 – Chemicals Used in Industry, Science & Agriculture
This class covers industrial chemicals, scientific reagents, chemical compositions for agriculture, adhesives, fire-extinguishing mixtures, unprocessed plastics, and fertiliser compounds. It does not include finished products; it protects the chemical input itself. For companies in manufacturing, laboratories, agro-processing, and industrial production, this class safeguards proprietary chemical formulations and industrial bonding agents.
Class 2 – Paints, Varnishes & Colourants
This protects paints, coatings, wood preservatives, anti-corrosion agents, lacquers, raw resins, and pigments for artistic and industrial use. It is critical for businesses in paint production, metal treatment, protective coatings, and industrial surface finishing. The focus is on protective and decorative coatings, not raw metals or painting tools.
Class 3 – Cosmetics, Soaps & Cleaning Preparations
Includes personal care and hygiene products such as soaps, perfumes, essential oils, cosmetics, skincare, hair lotions, bleaching substances, polishing and abrasive materials. This is one of the most commercially competitive classes because it protects consumer-facing beauty and hygiene brands, including cleaning substances and fragranced personal products.
Class 4 – Lubricants, Fuels & Illuminants
Covers industrial oils, greases, engine lubricants, fuels (including petroleum and gas), candles, wicks, and energy-producing materials. It protects consumable energy products and industrial lubricating compositions.
Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals & Medical Preparations
Protects medicines, medical supplements, disinfectants, dietetic substances, veterinary drugs, sanitary medical products, insecticides, and health-focused consumables. This class is high-stakes due to strict regulation and enforcement importance.
Class 6 – Common Metals & Metal Hardware
Includes metal building materials, metal containers, pipes, ironmongery, safes, ores, screws, and non-electric metal cables. This protects metal as a material or hardware, not machines or tools.
Class 7 – Machines, Motors, Engines & Industrial Tools
Covers manufacturing machines, engines, turbines, mechanical parts, robotics, agricultural machinery (non-manual), industrial pumps, and machine tools. This protects the mechanical power and machines, not hand tools or vehicles.
Class 8 – Hand Tools, Cutlery & Razors
Includes manually operated tools, knives, forks, spoons, swords, scissors, and shaving razors. It protects tools that operate by human force, not electrical or motorised equipment.
Class 9 – Scientific, Computer & Electronic Apparatus
One of the most valuable tech-driven classes. It covers computers, software, downloadable applications, mobile devices, measuring instruments, eyewear, safety gear, photographic equipment, and digital recording devices. It protects both hardware and software, but not telecom services.
Class 10 – Medical & Surgical Instruments
Covers hospital equipment, diagnostic devices, orthopaedic items, prosthetics, massage apparatus, and medical procedural tools. It protects equipment used in medical procedures.
Class 11 – Lighting, Heating, Cooling & Water Installations
Protects household and industrial lighting, air conditioners, water purification devices, cooking installations, sanitary equipment, and heating apparatus.
Class 12 – Vehicles & Transport Apparatus
Includes cars, buses, aircraft, bicycles, ships, drones, tyres, and all means of movement by land, air, or water. It protects the vehicle, not the transport service.
Class 13 – Firearms, Ammunition & Pyrotechnics
Covers guns, bullets, explosives, fireworks, and security weaponry.
Class 14 – Jewellery, Watches & Precious Metals
Protects gold, silver, diamonds, luxury jewellery brands, time-keeping instruments, and ornamental valuables.
Class 15 – Musical Instruments
Includes pianos, guitars, drums, violins, and all non-electronic musical devices.
Class 16 – Paper, Printed Matter & Stationery
Covers books, magazines, newspapers, printed photos, office stationery, adhesives for paper, and printed educational materials. This class protects publishing and printed brands.
Class 17 – Rubber, Gutta-Percha & Insulation Materials
Protects processed rubber, packing materials, plastic fibres, insulation, and hoses.
Class 18 – Leather Goods, Bags & Accessories
Includes handbags, wallets, travel luggage, animal leather, umbrellas, and fashion accessory brands made from leather or leather-like materials.
Class 19 – Non-Metal Building Materials
Covers cement, sand, stones, asphalt, glass for building, rigid non-metal pipes, and construction inputs not made of metal.
Class 20 – Furniture, Mirrors & Non-Metal Containers
Includes household furniture brands, decorative mirrors, and storage containers not made of metal.
Class 21 – Household Utensils, Glassware & Cleaning Tools
Protects kitchenware, ceramics, combs, brushes, cleaning sponges, and glass household items.
Class 22 – Ropes, Nets & Padding Materials
Includes industrial ropes, hammocks, sails, tents, and fibre textiles.
Class 23 – Yarns & Threads
Covers textile yarns, wool threads, and sewing fibre.
Class 24 – Textiles, Linens & Fabric Covers
Protects bed covers, table cloths, curtains, towels, and woven fabric brands.
Class 25 – Clothing, Footwear & Headgear
The primary fashion apparel class. Covers shirts, trousers, dresses, caps, shoes, and clothing brands.
Class 26 – Embroidery, Ribbons, Buttons & Hair Accessories
Protects sewing embellishments, clothing fasteners, and fashion ornamentals.
Class 27 – Carpets, Mats & Wall Hangings (Non-Textile)
Covers decorative floor and wall brands.
Class 28 – Games, Toys & Sporting Equipment
Includes gym gear, gaming apparatus, toys, and sports tools.
Class 29 – Meat, Fish, Dairy & Processed Foods
Covers preserved foods, milk products, edible oils, soups, eggs, and food processing brands.
Class 30 – Coffee, Tea, Rice, Spices & Bakery Products
Includes cereal preparations, bread, cakes, chocolate, sauces, and seasonings.
Class 31 – Raw Agricultural Produce & Animal Feed
Covers grains, seeds, plants, unprocessed crops, and livestock feed.
Class 32 – Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Protects bottled water, fruit juices, energy drinks, and syrups.
Class 33 – Alcoholic Beverages (Except Beer)
Includes wines, spirits, and liquor brands.
Class 34 – Tobacco & Smoking Accessories
Covers cigarettes, cigars, lighters, and smoking consumables.
SERVICE CLASSES (35 – 45)
Class 35 – Advertising, Business Management & Office Functions
Protects marketing agencies, retail branding, business administration firms, and office-based service identifiers.
Class 36 – Financial, Insurance & Real Estate Services
Covers banking, financial advisory, insurance, mortgage institutions, and real estate agencies offering brokerage or property management services.
Class 37 – Building Construction & Repair Services
Protects contractors, construction companies, and repair service brands.
Class 38 – Telecommunications & Broadcasting Services
Covers radio, TV broadcasting, internet communication services, and streaming channels.
Class 39 – Transport, Packaging & Storage Services
Protects logistics companies, courier services, travel agencies, and freight storage brands.
Class 40 – Treatment & Processing of Materials
Includes recycling, printing services, food processing, and industrial treatment services.
Class 41 – Education, Entertainment & Sporting Services
Protects schools, academies, training platforms, film studios, music labels, sports event brands, and entertainment coaching.
Class 42 – IT, Software Development & Technological Consultancy
Covers software engineering firms, cybersecurity brands, cloud services, and tech solution identifiers.
Class 43 – Restaurant, Catering & Accommodation Services
Protects hotels, bars, restaurants, lounges, and hospitality identifiers.
Class 44 – Medical, Beauty & Agricultural Services
Covers hospitals, clinics, veterinary services, farms, beauty salons, and wellness brands.
Class 45 – Legal, Security & Personal Services
Protects law firms, ADR centres, security agencies, consultancy protection services, and personal rights enforcement identifiers.
Why Classification Matters in Nigeria
Trademark rights do not automatically extend across all industries — protection is only enforceable in the registered class(es). Misclassification weakens enforcement, exposes brands to opposition, and may require costly re-filing. Businesses evolving into multi-sector ecosystems must plan for defensive filings across related classes. A trademark may be rejected if filed in a class that does not match its actual commercial use, regardless of how strong or famous the brand is.
If you are considering trademark protection in Nigeria, remember:
A trademark is not just a logo or a name — it is a legal asset. The strength of that asset depends on proper classification, registrability, and enforcement readiness. Filing in the correct class today protects your market tomorrow.
For expert legal guidance, oppositions, classification strategy, and registry compliance, consult an intellectual property professional or legal counsel before filing.