Understanding Trademark Classes (Nice Classification) in Jordan
Master the Nice Classification system for trademark registration in Jordan. Learn about all 45 classes, single-class filing requirements, specification drafting, and class selection strategy.
6/5/20264 min read
The Nice Classification system is the international standard used to categorize goods and services for trademark registration. Understanding this system is essential for any business seeking trademark protection in Jordan, as the scope of your trademark protection is defined by the classes and specific goods or services you select.
For the complete registration process, see our guide at how to register a trademark in Jordan. For document requirements including how to specify goods and services, see our checklist at documents required for trademark registration in Jordan.
What Is the Nice Classification System?
The Nice Classification was established by the Nice Agreement of 1957. It divides all goods and services into 45 classes. Classes 1 through 34 cover goods, while classes 35 through 45 cover services. The system is administered by WIPO and updated annually to reflect changes in technology and commerce. Jordan adopted the Nice Classification for all trademark applications.
All applications filed in Jordan must specify the relevant Nice classes, and examination fees are calculated on a per-class basis. Understanding the structure and content is directly relevant to both the scope of your protection and the cost of registration.
Overview of the 45 Classes
Goods: Classes 1-34
Classes 1 to 5 cover chemical and pharmaceutical products. Classes 6 to 12 include metals, machinery, and vehicles. Classes 13 to 15 encompass firearms and musical instruments. Classes 16 to 21 cover paper goods, rubber, and household items. Classes 22 to 27 include textiles, carpets, and games. Classes 28 to 34 cover toys, food, beverages, and tobacco products.
Services: Classes 35-45
Class 35 covers advertising and business management. Class 36 includes insurance and financial services. Class 37 covers construction and repair. Class 38 includes telecommunications. Class 39 covers transportation and storage. Class 40 includes treatment of materials. Class 41 covers education and entertainment. Class 42 includes scientific and technological services. Class 43 covers food and lodging. Class 44 includes medical and agricultural services. Class 45 covers legal and security services.
Single-Class Filing Requirement in Jordan
Unlike some jurisdictions that accept multi-class applications, Jordan requires separate applications for each class. If your brand covers products or services in multiple classes, you must file a separate application, pay separate fees, and undergo separate examination for each class. While this increases administrative work, it also means a refusal in one class does not automatically affect applications in other classes.
Expert Tip:Before filing, conduct a thorough audit of your business activities and identify every class covering products or services you currently offer or plan to offer in the next 3-5 years. The cost of filing an additional class is modest compared to discovering a critical product line is unprotected.
Specifying Goods and Services
Jordan no longer accepts class headings as sufficient specification. You must provide a detailed list of specific goods or services. This list should be broad enough to cover current and anticipated activities, but precise enough to satisfy the trademark examiner.
Use clear, standardized terminology that the examiner will recognize. Vague or overly broad terms may be challenged. Terms obsolete or unrelated to your actual business may be viewed as filed in bad faith. The best practice is to work from the official Nice Classification list, adapting descriptions to accurately reflect your business while maintaining standard terminology.
Common Classification Mistakes
• Selecting classes based on intuition rather than the official classification.
• Focusing only on your primary class and overlooking related classes.
• Using class headings instead of specific descriptions.
• A software company focusing on Class 9 while overlooking Class 42 for SaaS.
• A restaurant filing Class 43 but missing Class 35 for franchising or Class 32 for beverages.
• A fashion brand filing Class 25 but missing Class 18 for leather goods or Class 35 for retail.
Class Selection Strategy for Brand Protection
An effective strategy considers your current activities, long-term plans, potential brand extensions, and competitive landscape. Core classes covering primary products or services should always be filed first. Defensive classes covering related areas where you might expand or where competitors might free-ride on your brand should be considered based on budget and risk.
For businesses planning to expand internationally, it is worth considering the Madrid Protocol route. See our guide on international trademark registration via Madrid Protocol for more information. Ensure your Jordanian classification will be acceptable in other target jurisdictions.
Amending Specifications After Filing
In Jordan, it is generally possible to narrow the specification after filing, but not possible to broaden it or add new classes. Any goods or services not included in the original application cannot be added later through amendment. If you discover after filing that you need protection in an additional class, you must file a new application for that class.
This limitation underscores the importance of getting the specification right from the outset. Spending time on careful class selection and specification drafting before filing saves time and money compared to correcting deficiencies later.
Classification by Industry
Technology Companies
Typically need Class 9 (software and hardware), Class 38 (telecommunications), Class 42 (technology services), and Class 35 (business management).
Food and Beverage Companies
Typically need Class 29 (meat and dairy), Class 30 (baked goods and condiments), Class 31 (fresh produce), Class 32 (beverages), and Class 33 (alcoholic beverages).
Fashion Brands
Typically need Class 18 (leather goods), Class 25 (clothing), and Class 35 (retail services).
Pharmaceutical Companies
Typically need Class 5 (pharmaceuticals), Class 10 (medical apparatus), and Class 44 (medical services).
Key Takeaways
• Jordan requires a separate application for each Nice class.
• Class headings are not accepted, list specific goods and services.
• You can narrow specifications after filing but cannot broaden them.
• Consider both current activities and 3-5 year expansion plans when selecting classes.
• Related classes are often overlooked but critical for comprehensive protection.
• Professional guidance ensures optimal class selection for your business.
Related Articles and Resources:
How to Register a Trademark in Jordan
What Can and Cannot Be Trademarked in Jordan
International Trademark Registration via Madrid Protocol
Documents Required for Trademark Registration in Jordan
How to Conduct a Trademark Search in Jordan
Need Expert Help with Your Trademark? Contact Haj Hassan & Associates for professional trademark registration and protection services in Jordan and throughout the MENA region. Visit www.hajhassanlegal.com or reach out through our contact page. Our experienced IP team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.