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Trademark Class Search

Search the trademark class that corresponds with your
goods & services.

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Class Goods & Services
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Basic Concepts
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What are trademark classes?

Trademark Offices around the world use classes to divide commercial products and services into defined categories.  When you apply for your trademark to protect your brand, you must define the class or classes that you believe best describe your business activity. 

Countries around the world have standardized 45 classes (34 for products and 11 for services) for international use under the Nice International Classification.

These classes group all known products and services. If applicable, you can register the same trademark in more than one class; for example, you may register the trademark KING for computers in class 23 and register the same trademark in class 24 for cosmetics. 

Trademark protection only extends to commercial use within your specified classes.  It is, therefore, possible for two entities conducting business in different classes to use identical or similar trademarks and for each entity to enjoy full trademark protection in their respective classes. If you feel that protection should extend to include more than one class, you can choose multiple classes under which to conduct business.

You can search for your trademark class with this Trademark Class Search tool.

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Do I have to specify the products and services?

Yes, you have. It is not possible to register trademarks that are too descriptive or generic. For example, you cannot register the term 'CAR' for automobiles. You also cannot register a trademark that is like other marks. For example, you cannot register a trademark like HAMASON as an online bookstore because it resembles the Amazon brand name.  

If you are unaware of which class or classes best protect your goods and services, we recommend you order the Trademark Study. Our experienced attorneys will review your product or service description and match it to the class or classes most for your business activity. 

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What is a priority claim and when can I use it?

A priority claim is an allowance based on Article 4 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. It enables you as the owner of a filed trademark to file subsequent trademark applications in any of the Convention’s signatory countries using the effective date of your first application as long as you file the subsequent applications within six months of your original trademark application.  That means if you apply for a trademark in Canada, five months later, you can apply for a trademark in France using the effective date of your Canadian application.

We strongly recommend that you submit your additional applications as soon as possible after your base application.  Many countries have strict requirements regarding the type of documentation required in order to claim priority (sometimes including legalization and translation of the original application). 

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What happens if oppositions or objections arise during the registration process?

The purpose of the Trademark Study is to assess the probabilities of objections and oppositions. If objections or oppositions arise, Nominus.com relies on experienced Trademark Attorneys that will guide you in the appropriate course of action.

Upon notification of an office action or opposition, we strive to:

  • Communicate the details of the action to you as quickly as possible.
  • Include future steps and possible arguments.
  • Monitor deadlines and explain the costs to prepare and submit a response, if applicable.
     
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What does it mean to file a trademark with a Claim of Priority?

A Claim of Priority, often referred to as Convention Priority, is a provision outlined in the Paris Convention. This provision enables applicants to seek trademark protection in any member nation within six months from their first filing, all while maintaining the initial application date. This mechanism provides applicants with a priority advantage for registering their trademark in all member countries of the Paris Union, streamlining the process of securing international trademark protection.

General Questions
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What is a trademark?

A trademark distinguishes a company’s offerings from competitors, encompassing not just names but also logos, designs, colors, and sounds. Upon registration, the owner gains exclusive rights to use the trademark for specific products/services within a designated territory for a set term. Symbols include ® for registered trademarks, TM for trademarks pending registration, and SM for service marks in registration process.

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Why should I register a trademark for my brand?

Registering a trademark for your brand is a strategic and prudent move as it provides legal protection against unauthorized use of your brand name, logo, or other identifying marks. Trademark registration grants you exclusive rights to use the trademark in connection with the goods or services listed in the registration, preventing others from using similar marks that might confuse consumers.

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Is trademark registration mandatory?

While not obligatory, trademark registration is advisable for legal protection. Some countries acknowledge unregistered trademarks but provide limited legal safeguards. Without registration, defending your trademark can be challenging, and others might conduct business under your name, blurring brand distinction. It’s wise to register trademarks where you operate, even if not actively using them. Countries have varying requirements regarding trademark use and registration priority. Registration offers legal security, protecting your unique ideas and business from being exploited in global markets. Ensure to register each necessary trademark following respective guidelines.

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How do I search for existing trademarks?

To search for existing trademarks, you can utilize Nominus’ dedicated trademark search engine. This specialized tool allows you to verify the availability and status of specific trademarks, helping you to avoid potential conflicts and infringements. By conducting a thorough search, you can ensure that your desired trademark is unique and registerable.

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In what countries should I register my trademark?

Register your trademark in countries where you:

  1. Operate or Plan Expansion: Protect your brand where you currently do business or intend to in the future.
  2. Have Significant Online Sales: Consider registration in nations housing major portions of your online customer base.
  3. Manufacture Products: This helps guard against counterfeiting in production locales.

Choose strategically important countries offering strong legal protections for trademarks. For a tailored registration strategy, consider market analysis and legal advice, and explore Nominus.com’s services for international trademark registration assistance.

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Can I register my domain as a trademark?

Yes, and it's advisable to protect your brand. Domain names, often synonymous with business names like Amazon.com for Amazon.com Inc., can be trademarked. Registering your domain as a trademark safeguards it and prevents others from securing similar domain names. This process is akin to business name registration but at the domain level, with organizations like ICANN overseeing it. Ensure to register your trademark in the countries where your domain is registered, like your-domain-name.fr in France or your-domain-name.cn in China, to secure market-specific protection.

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Do any trademark registrations cover multiple countries?

Each country typically sets its own trademark registration rules and protections. However, there are agreements allowing a single application to register a trademark across multiple jurisdictions. Examples include the European Union Trade Mark (EUTM) used within the EU, and the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property covering Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The Madrid System simplifies global registration through one application, while organizations like the African Intellectual Property Organization offer regional protections. These arrangements facilitate broader trademark protection for owners conducting business in multiple countries or regions.

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Who is responsible for granting trademark registration?

The responsibility for approving and granting trademark registration typically lies with the national intellectual property office or trademark office in each country. These governmental or quasi-governmental agencies review applications, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and ultimately grant trademark status. Examples include the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the U.S., the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in the EU, and similar entities in other countries and regions. For international trademarks, systems like the Madrid Protocol allow for centralized filing and management, but the approval still depends on each jurisdiction's respective office.

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How long does it take to register a trademark?

The duration of the trademark registration process can vary significantly depending on the jurisdiction in which you are seeking protection. Generally, it takes several months from the filing of the application to the issuance of the registration certificate. During this period, the application undergoes examination, publication, and potential opposition proceedings, all of which can influence the timeline.

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How can I register a trademark with Nominus?

Trademarking a name with Nominus.com is straightforward, we have structured into three steps:

  1. Comprehensive Study: Before filing, our Comprehensive Trademark Study identifies potential conflicts and registrability issues in your target country. This step provides expert insights to streamline your registration process and avoid legal disputes.

  2. Application Filing: Our attorneys will file your application, adhering to each country's specific formalities. You'll receive a filing report, application number, submission date, and a scanned copy of your application, with online tracking available for your convenience.

  3. Registration Certificate: Upon approval, we handle obtaining your Trademark Registration Certificate. You'll receive the certificate report with your registration number, and we'll monitor and notify you of crucial dates to maintain your trademark's validity.

To start the process, please visit the page Trademark Registration.

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