Trademark Classes in Japan: How to Choose from the 45 Nice Classes and Describe Your Goods/Services

"Which class should we file in?" "Do we need Class 35 if we sell on Amazon Japan?" "Can we add a class later?"

Choosing classes is the first real decision in any Japanese trademark application, and it decides both what you are protected for and how much you pay. In this article, Japanese Patent Attorney Toru Kano of BrandAgent explains the 45 classes, how to pick the right ones, and how to describe your goods and services so they pass Japanese examination.

*Official fees are those in effect since the April 1, 2022 revision of the JPO fee schedule (last updated: October 2026).

What are trademark classes (Classes 1–45)?

Every trademark application in Japan must state the goods or services the mark will be used for, and the class each one belongs to. Japan uses the international Nice Classification (currently the 11th edition, as adopted in Japan's Trademark Act regulations):

• Classes 1–34: goods
• Classes 35–45: services

One Japanese application can cover a single class or several classes. Because the trademark right only covers the goods and services you list, class selection determines both the scope of protection and the cost.

Commonly used classes

Below are the classes we see most often from overseas brand owners (based on the JPO's class explanations).

More classes means higher official fees

JPO fees are charged per class, both at filing and at registration:

• Filing: JPY 3,400 + JPY 8,600 × number of classes
• Registration (10 years): JPY 32,900 × number of classes (or JPY 17,200 × classes for 5 years)

Attorney fees are added on top. BrandAgent charges JPY 25,000 per class at filing and JPY 25,000 per class at registration (excluding Japanese consumption tax, where applicable). Renewal fees every 10 years are also charged per class, so every extra class is a long-term cost, not a one-off.

Class vs. designated goods/services

Choosing the class is only half the job. Within each class you must list the specific goods or services, and your right covers only what is listed. The JPO requires wording that makes the scope clear. Taking Class 25 as an example:

Vague wording leads to an Office Action requiring amendment and delays examination. This matters especially for foreign applicants: a description accepted in your home country, or in a Madrid international registration, is often treated as unclear in Japan. Japan-designated Madrid registrations frequently receive a provisional refusal for this reason alone. Filing directly with wording drafted for Japanese practice avoids most of these objections.

How to choose classes: three practical steps

When you are unsure, prioritize like this: (1) goods/services you already sell — always include; (2) those you are very likely to launch soon — strongly consider; (3) "maybe someday" — weigh carefully against cost.

Common mistakes

• Missing a class you need: you must file a second application and pay again.
• Too many classes: registration and renewal fees add up over the years.
• Right class, weak description: the products you actually sell are not covered, making it hard to act against copycats.
• Vague wording: an Office Action and a longer examination.
• Confusing Class 9 and Class 42: apps and SaaS are in different classes.
• Misunderstanding Class 35: Class 35 covers retail and wholesale services. If you sell your own branded products online, the core protection is the goods class (e.g. Class 3 for cosmetics). Class 35 is worth adding if you run a store selling a range of goods under the mark.

Can a class be added later?

Generally, no. You cannot add a new class, or broaden the goods/services, in a pending application — amendments can only narrow or clarify. Adding a class means filing a new application with its own fees and a later filing date. This is why it pays to get the classes right before filing.

If you have filed in your home country within the last six months, you can claim Paris Convention priority in your Japanese application. The classes and goods in Japan should then correspond to your priority application.

FAQ

• Q. How many classes do most applicants file in?
  A. One to three classes is common, but the right number depends on your business. Design it around what you need to protect, not around an average.
• Q. Is filing in more classes always safer?
  A. No. Each class adds filing, registration and renewal fees. Weigh how likely you are to use the mark in that field against the cost.
• Q. Can we use the same goods description as our home application?
  A. Often only partly. Japan has its own accepted terms, and wording that is fine elsewhere may be objected to as unclear. We adapt the description to Japanese practice.
• Q. Can you tell us which classes we need?
  A. Yes. Tell us your mark and what you sell; we will reply with the number of classes and a fixed quote, free of charge.

Summary

Related articles

• SaaS and App Trademarks in Japan: Why Class 42 Alone Leaves Gaps (Classes 9, 35 and More)
• "Intent to Use" Refusals in Japan: Too Many Goods, Class 35 Retail and How to Respond
• How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)
• Trademark Search in Japan: How to Check Prior Marks Before Filing (and What People Miss)