Under China’s trademark system, some companies pay to register a mark, only to find they cannot stop a competitor’s similar sign on the same product — usually because the class was wrongly chosen. CNIPA’s guide on correctly understanding trademark goods and services classification helps applicants get it right.
1. What is classification? 45 classes and “similarity groups”
China uses the Nice Classification: 45 classes, with classes 1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services. Each class is further divided into “similarity groups”; goods or services within the same group are treated as similar in examination, while cross-group items are not automatically similar.
2. Wrong class = weak protection
- Too few classes: core business uncovered; rivals register similar marks in related classes.
- Wrong similarity group: registration looks fine but leaves a protection gap.
- No cross-class layout: e-commerce, franchising and spin-offs stay exposed.
3. How to choose classes wisely
- Step 1: pinpoint the class and similarity group of your core goods/services.
- Step 2: add related classes (e.g., manufacturing + sales + e-commerce).
- Step 3: assess defensive classes such as class 35 (advertising/sales) and class 9 (apps/software).
4. Common mistakes
Treating a “class” as an “industry,” assuming one broad class covers everything, ignoring similarity groups, or overlooking future scenarios. Position by “goods/services → similarity group,” then add related and defensive classes.
For class and similarity-group selection, see our Trademark Classification Table; for patent deadlines, see Patent Annual-Fee Monitor. To assess your trademark layout, contact Hefei Zhihaiyida Patent Agency (firm code 34408).
常见问题
问：一个商标能在所有45个类别都注册吗？
答：可以，但需逐类缴费、成本较高。一般企业按主营业务与防御需要选择类别，不必盲目全类注册。
问：“类似群”是什么意思？
答：每个商标类别下细分为若干“类似群”，同一类似群内的商品或服务在审查中认定为类似；跨类似群一般不当然类似。它直接决定近似判断与保护范围。
问：只注册一个类别够吗？
答：取决于业务。多业态企业应在主营类别之外，补充关联类别与防御类别（如电商、加盟衍生业务），避免保护缺口。
问：第35类为什么常被提及？
答：第35类包含广告、商业管理、线上销售等服务，是许多企业线上经营与品牌运营的基础类别，常被重点布局。
来源
本文据CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration)《集体商标、证明商标注册和管理规定》制定说明（2023-12-29）撰写，原文链接：https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/art/2023/12/29/art_66_189403.html。
This article is a policy interpretation for reference only and does not constitute an official interpretation or legal advice. This article introduces the intellectual property system of the People’s Republic of China (China); please refer to the latest official regulations for specifics.