| Quick Answer (AEO — AI Overview / ChatGPT / Perplexity Target) Canada uses the International Nice Classification system (also called the Nice Classification) to categorize goods and services in trademark applications. The Nice Classification has 45 classes: Classes 1–34 cover goods (physical products) and Classes 35–45 cover services. Every CIPO trademark application must specify the correct Nice Classification class(es) for the goods or services the mark covers — government filing fees are charged per class (CAD $458 for the first class, $330 per additional class in 2025). The most common service classes for small businesses in Canada are: Class 35 (business/consulting/accounting services), Class 36 (financial/insurance services), Class 41 (education/training), Class 42 (technology/IT services), and Class 45 (legal/compliance services). Filing in the wrong class means your trademark does not protect your actual business activities — and a competitor can register the same mark in the correct class and use it for the same services you offer. |
Choosing the right trademark class for your CIPO application is one of the most consequential decisions in the entire trademark registration process — and one of the most commonly misunderstood.
Many business owners look at the list of 45 Nice Classification classes and select the one that sounds most like their business. This approach is often wrong, sometimes catastrophically so. A management consulting firm that files only in Class 35 (business services) without also filing in Class 41 (training services) or Class 45 (compliance advisory) may find that a competitor can use the same brand name for services the consulting firm actually provides — because the competitor’s registered classes cover those services.
This guide explains the Nice Classification system, walks through every class relevant to businesses operating in Canada, and tells you how to identify the right class(es) for your specific business before filing your CIPO application.
What Is the Nice Classification System?
[KW] trademark classification system Canada + Nice classification Canada — foundational explanation
The Nice Classification (formally: the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks) is an international system created by the Nice Agreement of 1957 and administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It is updated periodically (currently in its 12th edition). Canada adopted the Nice Classification system for CIPO trademark applications — every application filed after a specified date must classify all goods and services according to Nice.
The system divides all goods and services into 45 classes:
| Classes 1–34: Goods | Classes 35–45: Services |
| Classes 1–5: Chemicals, paints/coatings, cosmetics, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals Classes 6–11: Metals, hand tools, machines, lighting/heating/cooking apparatus Classes 12–17: Vehicles, firearms, surgical/scientific instruments, rubber products Classes 18–24: Leather goods, rope/twine, construction materials, furniture, textiles Classes 25–34: Clothing, floor coverings, games/toys, food & beverages, tobacco | Class 35: Business services, advertising, office functions Class 36: Financial, insurance, real estate services Class 37: Building/construction, repair services Class 38: Telecommunications Class 39: Transport, travel, storage Class 40: Treatment of materials, custom manufacturing Class 41: Education, entertainment, training Class 42: Scientific, technological, IT services Class 43: Food/drink services (restaurants, catering) Class 44: Medical, veterinary, agricultural services Class 45: Legal, security, personal services |
One trademark application can cover multiple classes — but each class adds to the government filing fee (CAD $330 per additional class after the first). This is why correct class identification from the start is critical: adding a class missed at the time of filing requires a new trademark application with new government fees.
The 11 Most Important Trademark Classes for Canadian Businesses
[KW] trademark class for services Canada + Nice classification list Canada — complete class breakdown
Here are the classes most commonly relevant to businesses operating in Canada, with detailed explanations of what each class covers and what it does NOT cover:
Class 35 — Business Services, Advertising, Office Functions
[KW] trademark class 35 Canada — most searched class for service businesses
| What Class 35 Covers | What Class 35 Does NOT Cover |
| Business management consulting and advisory services | Financial advisory and investment consulting (Class 36) |
| Accounting services, bookkeeping services, payroll services, tax preparation services | Chartered accountant services involving legal or regulatory filings (may also require Class 45) |
| Human resources management consulting; recruitment and staffing services | Employment training and professional development programs (Class 41) |
| Advertising and marketing services; public relations; market research | Website design and development (Class 42) |
| Business administration services; office support services; data entry | Cloud computing and software-as-a-service (Class 42) |
| Import/export agency services; wholesale and retail trade of goods (online and offline) | The physical goods being sold retail (those goods’ own Nice class) |
| Business process outsourcing (BPO) services | Legal services and compliance advisory (Class 45) |
| Key Note: Class 35 is the most commonly filed class for professional services firms, consulting agencies, and online businesses. However, the class specifically covers BUSINESS services performed FOR OTHERS — not the underlying professional or technical service itself. An accounting firm registering its brand under Class 35 should also consider Class 36 for financial services if the firm offers investment planning, and Class 45 if regulatory compliance work is a core service. |
Class 36 — Financial, Insurance, and Real Estate Services
| What Class 36 Covers | What Class 36 Does NOT Cover |
| Financial advisory services; investment consulting; wealth management | Accounting and bookkeeping services (Class 35) |
| Insurance services; insurance brokerage; actuarial services | Tax preparation and payroll services (Class 35) |
| Banking services; credit card services; payment processing | Financial software and apps (Class 42) |
| Real estate services; property management; mortgage brokerage | Construction and building management (Class 37) |
| Tax consulting — strategic tax planning, CPA advisory on tax structure | Tax return preparation and filing (Class 35) |
| RRSP, TFSA, RESP advisory and management services | Education and training related to financial planning (Class 41) |
| Foreign exchange services; money transfer services (including India-Canada remittance) | Logistics and transportation of goods (Class 39) |
Class 41 — Education, Training, and Entertainment
| What Class 41 Covers | What Class 41 Does NOT Cover |
| Professional training services; skill development workshops; webinars | Business consulting and management advisory (Class 35) |
| Online education platforms; e-learning courses; educational content publishing | Educational software and apps (Class 42) |
| Professional certification programs; continuing education for accountants, lawyers, HR professionals | Professional services delivered by the certified professional (respective professional class) |
| Sports, fitness, and recreation services; entertainment events | Catering and food/drink at events (Class 43) |
| Cultural activities; live performance events; film production | Broadcasting and streaming services (Class 38) |
Class 42 — Scientific, Technological, and IT Services
| What Class 42 Covers | What Class 42 Does NOT Cover |
| Software development services; app development; web development | Downloadable software products (Class 9) |
| Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms; cloud computing services; cloud storage | Telecommunications and internet access services (Class 38) |
| IT consulting; cybersecurity consulting; network management services | IT equipment and hardware (Class 9) |
| Website design and hosting; UX/UI design services | Advertising and marketing services that use a website (Class 35) |
| Data analysis services; AI/ML model development services; research & development | Data analytics software products (Class 9) |
| Quality control and testing services for software; technical support services | After-sale customer support that doesn’t involve technical repair (Class 35 or 45) |
Class 45 — Legal, Security, and Personal Services
| What Class 45 Covers | What Class 45 Does NOT Cover |
| Legal advisory services; legal research; legal document preparation | Legal representation in court (typically falls outside trademark registration for individual lawyers due to regulatory constraints) |
| Corporate compliance advisory services; regulatory compliance consulting | Business management consulting (Class 35) |
| Trademark watching services; IP licensing and management services | Trademark search and application filing (Class 45 for trademark agency services) |
| Background check services; private investigation services; security consulting | Physical security and guard services (Class 45 — but installation of security systems is Class 37) |
| Personal and social services; concierge services; lifestyle management | Travel agency services (Class 39) |
Other Key Classes for Common Business Types in Canada
| Business Type | Most Relevant Nice Classes | Notes |
| Restaurant / café / catering | Class 43 (food/drink services) | Class 35 if also offering catering management services; Class 41 if offering cooking classes |
| Clothing / fashion brand | Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headwear) | Class 35 if operating retail online; Class 9 if producing fashion apps |
| Pharmaceutical / health products | Class 5 (pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, medical devices) | Class 44 for health advisory services; Class 41 for health education programs |
| Construction company | Class 37 (building construction, renovation, repair services) | Class 36 for project financing advisory; Class 42 for building design software |
| Food and beverage products | Classes 29–32 (food products, beverages — specific class depends on product type) | Class 43 for restaurant/café; Class 35 for online retail storefront |
| Healthcare / medical services | Class 44 (medical, veterinary, agricultural services) | Class 41 for patient education programs; Class 9 for medical software/devices |
| Security and surveillance | Class 45 (security consulting); Class 42 (cybersecurity) | Class 9 for security cameras and hardware; Class 37 for installation services |
| Immigration consulting | Class 45 (legal advisory) or Class 35 (consulting) — depends on scope of services | Important: RCICs in Canada are regulated; trademark class selection should align with the licensed scope of services |
How Many Trademark Classes Do You Need to File In?
[KW] multiple trademark classes Canada + how to choose trademark class Canada — planning section
The most common question DKP Global receives from trademark applicants: “Do I need to file in multiple classes?” The answer depends on what your business actually does — not on what you want to do in the future, and not on what you do only incidentally.
| Scenario | Classes Recommended | Reason |
| Sole trader / consultant offering business advisory services only | Class 35 only (or Class 35 + Class 36 if financial advisory is a core service) | One class covers the primary business activity; adding classes you don’t actively use creates unnecessary cost and may make the registration vulnerable to expungement for non-use in that class |
| Professional services firm offering accounting, tax, AND financial advisory | Class 35 (accounting/bookkeeping) + Class 36 (financial advisory) — possibly Class 45 (compliance advisory) | Three genuinely distinct service categories that each require separate class protection; filing in only one class leaves the other services unprotected |
| Tech startup offering a SaaS platform with an e-learning component | Class 42 (SaaS/software services) + Class 41 (online education) | Two separate Nice classes for two genuinely distinct service categories; both covered by the brand and both need trademark protection |
| Brand launching both a product and a service under the same name | Goods class for the product (e.g., Class 9 for software, Class 25 for clothing) + service class for the service component | Products and services are in different sections of the Nice Classification; the same brand name used for both requires separate class registrations for both |
| Immigration consulting firm | Class 45 (legal advisory) and/or Class 35 (consulting services) | The specific class(es) depend on the regulatory scope of the RCIC’s authorized services; DKP Global advises on the correct class(es) based on the firm’s actual licensed activities |
| Rule of Thumb: File in every class that covers a service or product you CURRENTLY deliver under the mark. Do not file in classes for planned future services — add those classes with a fresh application when the services actually launch. Filing in unused classes is wasteful (extra government fees) and creates expungement risk after 3 years of non-use. |
What Happens If You File in the Wrong Trademark Class?
[KW] wrong trademark class Canada — consequences and solutions
Filing a trademark application in the wrong class has serious consequences — all of which are expensive:
| Consequence | What Happens |
| The registered trademark does not protect your actual services | A competitor can register the same or similar mark in the correct class and legally use it for the exact services you provide — your Class 35 registration for “business consulting” does not stop them from registering in Class 36 for “financial advisory” if that’s what you actually do |
| You cannot amend the class(es) after filing without a new application | Under CIPO rules, you cannot add a Nice Classification class to a filed application — if you missed a class, you need to file a new trademark application (new government fees: CAD $458 for the first class + $330 per additional class) with a later priority date |
| The existing registered trademark in the right class may block your new application | If a competitor has registered in the correct class during the period when you had the wrong-class registration, their registration now takes priority — you may be blocked from registering in the class you actually need |
| The registered trademark in the wrong class may be expunged for non-use | A trademark registration is vulnerable to a Section 45 expungement proceeding if the owner cannot demonstrate use of the mark in Canada in association with the registered goods/services within the preceding 3 years — a trademark registered in a class where you don’t actually operate may be cancelled |
Trademark Classes: India vs Canada — Key Differences for Indian Businesses
[KW] Nice class Indian business Canada + trademark class selection Surrey BC — India angle
Indian businesses and entrepreneurs familiar with India’s trademark classification system (administered by IP India / CGPDTM) will find the Nice Classification in Canada largely consistent — India also uses the Nice Classification system. However, there are important practical differences:
| Feature | India (IP India) | Canada (CIPO) |
| Classification system | Nice Classification (same international system) | Nice Classification (same international system) |
| Filing fee structure | ₹4,500 per class for individuals/MSMEs; ₹9,000 per class for others (approx.) | CAD $458 for first class + CAD $330 per additional class (2025 rates) |
| Service class for accounting / tax services | Class 35 | Class 35 (same) |
| Service class for financial advisory | Class 36 | Class 36 (same) |
| Can I use my Indian class selection as a reference for Canada? | Yes — your Indian trademark classes are a useful reference; the classification is the same; however, the goods/services DESCRIPTION must be rewritten in CIPO-accepted terminology, which differs from IP India’s terminology | CIPO has its own database of accepted goods/services descriptions; submitting IP India’s specification language verbatim often results in an Office Action requiring amendment |
| Difference in examination focus | IP India Examiners focus heavily on phonetic similarity; distinctiveness objections are common | CIPO Examiners focus on the likelihood-of-confusion analysis across appearance, sound, and ideas; descriptiveness objections are common for generic terms |
| Internal Link: For the complete CIPO trademark registration process — including how to file, what the application requires, and what to expect at each stage — see: /blog/how-to-register-trademark-canada/ and /trademark-registration-canada/ |
Frequently Asked Questions
[SCHEMA] FAQPage Schema JSON-LD — add all 8 Q&As in WordPress backend.
| Question | Answer |
| How many trademark classes are there in Canada? | Canada uses the international Nice Classification system, which has 45 classes: Classes 1–34 cover goods (physical products) and Classes 35–45 cover services. Every CIPO trademark application must classify the mark’s goods and/or services according to this system. A single trademark application can cover multiple classes — but each additional class incurs a separate CIPO government filing fee (CAD $330 per additional class after the first class at CAD $458). |
| Which trademark class should I choose for a consulting business in Canada? | Most consulting businesses in Canada file primarily in Class 35 (business management consulting, advisory services, office support functions). If the consulting firm also provides financial advisory or investment planning services, Class 36 should be added. If the firm provides compliance or regulatory advisory services, Class 45 may also be relevant. DKP Global reviews the specific services of each client before recommending the correct class combination. |
| What is the difference between goods classes and services classes in Nice Classification? | Nice Classification Classes 1–34 cover physical goods (products that are manufactured and sold) — for example, chemicals (Class 1), clothing (Class 25), software products as downloadable goods (Class 9). Classes 35–45 cover services (activities performed for others) — for example, accounting services (Class 35), insurance services (Class 36), legal services (Class 45). A business that manufactures and sells a product AND provides services under the same brand may need to file in both a goods class and a services class. |
| Can I add trademark classes after my CIPO application is filed? | No — you cannot add a Nice Classification class to an existing CIPO trademark application after it has been filed. If you identify a missing class after filing, you must file a new trademark application for the additional class, which carries a new government fee (CAD $458 for the first class) and a new, later priority date. This is why DKP Global conducts a thorough review of all relevant classes before filing — to avoid the cost and priority-date disadvantage of a separate follow-up application. |
| What is Class 35 in trademark registration in Canada? | Class 35 of the Nice Classification covers business services, advertising services, and office functions. In Canada, this class is most relevant for professional services firms, consulting agencies, accounting and bookkeeping firms, HR services companies, marketing agencies, and online retail operations. The class covers the business management function — consulting, advising, and support services performed for other businesses — rather than the underlying professional services (e.g., legal advice is Class 45, financial planning is Class 36). |
| What is Class 36 in trademark registration in Canada? | Class 36 of the Nice Classification covers financial services, insurance services, and real estate services. In Canada, this class is most relevant for financial advisors, investment planners, insurance brokers, mortgage brokers, tax consultants (strategic tax planning), foreign exchange services, and real estate agents. It is distinct from Class 35 (which covers general business services) and from Class 42 (which covers financial technology and software platforms). |
| How do I know which trademark class is right for my business in Canada? | The best approach is to: (1) list all of the goods and services your business provides under the brand name you want to register; (2) match each item on that list to the appropriate Nice Classification class using the WIPO Nice Classification database (wipo.int/classifications/nice) or the CIPO goods/services database; (3) confirm that every class you select accurately reflects current business activities, not aspirational future services; and (4) have the class selection reviewed by a trademark specialist before filing to catch any missed classes or overinclusions. DKP Global provides class selection guidance as part of every trademark application engagement. |
| What is the cost of filing in multiple trademark classes at CIPO in Canada? | CIPO charges CAD $458 for the first Nice Classification class and CAD $330 for each additional class in the same application (2025 rates). A 2-class application costs $788; a 3-class application costs $1,118; a 4-class application costs $1,448; and so on. There is no discount for filing multiple classes — each additional class adds $330 to the government fee regardless of how many classes are included. These fees are paid at the time of filing and are non-refundable. |
| Get Your Trademark Class Right — Free Consultation with DKP Global Trademark class selection is one of the most consequential decisions in your CIPO application — and one of the most commonly mishandled. DKP Global’s trademark specialists review your actual business activities and identify every relevant Nice Classification class before your application is filed. 📞 Canada: +1-672-833-4342 | 🇮🇳 India: +91-9990424342 | ✉ info@dkpglobal.org 📍 Surrey, BC — serving all of Canada | dkpglobal.org/trademark-registration-canada/ |