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Leading to successful trademark registration! A complete guide to class selection

When filing a trademark application, choosing the correct category from among the 45 categories according to the purpose for which the trademark will be used will lead to successful trademark registration. However, in order to select the correct classification, an understanding of the classification and practical experience are required. In this article, we will guide you on how to choose the correct classification.

About this article

In this article, we have provided a detailed explanation of how to choose a classification, which is essential for successful trademark registration. Specifically, we provided practical advice on the basics of classification, the importance of choosing the appropriate classification, and even classifications that are easy to make mistakes and how to deal with them. It also identifies pitfalls that tend to occur when registering trademarks, such as understanding complex classifications such as "teaching of knowledge" and analyzing similar relationships using similar group codes, and suggests ways to avoid them. Masu.

Classification of trademark registration and appropriate selection method

What is the classification of trademark registration?

1. Basic understanding of trademark registration classification

"Category" in trademark registration is a classification of goods and services based on certain criteria, ranging from Class 1 to Class 45. Accurately understanding the classification is the first step necessary to obtain trademark rights.

2. Products and services divided into 45 categories

The classification is divided into categories 1 to 45, which are broadly divided into goods (categories 1 to 34) and services (categories 35 to 45). Each category includes different goods and services; for example, Category 1 includes chemicals, Category 15 includes musical instruments, and Category 35 includes advertising.

3. How to choose the appropriate classification for your products and services

To choose the appropriate classification for your company's products and services, you need to take a closer look at the nature of the products and services your company offers. During this process, referring to similar goods and services examination standards and similar group codes will make it easier to identify more accurate classifications.

The importance of category selection and points that are easy to make mistakes

1. Why is choosing the right classification important?

Choosing the correct category is essential for securing trademark rights. Choosing the wrong category increases the possibility of rejection during examination and also increases the risk of trademark infringement. Accurate classification selection allows you to appropriately define the scope of trademark protection.

2. Classifications that are easy to misunderstand and their examples

One of the categories that is easily mistaken is Class 41, which includes "teaching of knowledge." At first glance, Class 41 may seem to cover a wide range of services, but in reality it only applies to certain types of information services. For example, "teaching at a cram school" falls under Category 41. On the other hand, other types of information provision services, such as "fashion information provision", are classified in category 45, and "tax consultation" is classified in category 36.

3. Points to note when specifying Category 41, which includes “teaching of knowledge”

When choosing Category 41, you need to carefully consider whether the information your company is providing really fits that category. Although this classification is related to information provision services, careful attention is required as not all information provision services fall into this classification.

Practical advice on category selection

1. Selection of multiple categories and its risks

If your company offers a wide variety of products and services, you may need to select multiple categories. However, if you select more than one category than necessary, the cost of examination will increase, and there is also the risk that registration will only be approved in unnecessary categories. The choice of each category should be made carefully based on the nature of the product or service and how it will be used in the market.

2. Utilization of similar goods and services examination standards

Similar products and services screening standards are extremely useful when determining which category your company's products and services fall into. By referring to the Similar Goods and Services Examination Standards, you can understand how similar different products and services within the same category are, making it easier to select the appropriate category. You can also use similar group codes to analyze relationships between similar products in more detail.

3. Understanding similarity relationships using similarity group codes

A similar group code is a code consisting of a combination of numbers and alphabets. Understanding similar group codes will make it easier to understand the relationship with other similar products and services when registering a trademark. For example, if products belonging to different categories have the same similarity group code, they will be presumed to be similar for review purposes. Therefore, similar group codes can have a significant impact on trademark examination. If you request a trademark application from a patent office, you will receive advice on the selection of classification from a patent attorney with extensive specialized knowledge and practical experience. This allows applicants to more clearly understand the important points in trademark registration and file trademark applications with peace of mind.

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