In trademark law, the concept of goods and services refers to the specific categories under which a trademark is registered, thereby identifying the commercial origin of the goods or services. Each registered trademark is associated with a particular list of goods or services whose origin it guarantees. This specification is crucial because it determines the scope of legal protection granted to the trademark.
Products and services are classified according to an international system called the Nice Classification.
It categorises products and services into 45 distinct classes, comprising 34 product classes and 11 service classes. For example, clothing, footwear, and headgear are classified in class 25, while restaurant services and temporary accommodation services are in class 43.
Accurate categorisation of goods and services is essential when filing a trademark, as it ensures that the trademark rights are clearly defined in the relevant commercial areas. Accurate classification can also help avoid specific conflicts with earlier trademarks registered in identical classes.
The role of an industrial property attorney (CPI) specialising in trademarks is to assist clients in choosing the most appropriate classification for their project.