Quick Answer
- Japan uses the Nice Classification system — 45 classes total
- Classes 1–34 cover goods; Classes 35–45 cover services
- Each class adds ¥8,600 to your filing fee and ¥32,900 to your 10-year registration fee
- You cannot add classes after filing — choose correctly from the start
- Unused classes are vulnerable to cancellation after 3 years of non-use in Japan
Japan trademark Nice Classes define where your brand protection begins and ends. Choosing the wrong classes — too few or too many — is one of the most common and costly mistakes foreign businesses make when filing in Japan.
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What are Japan Trademark Nice Classes
The Nice Classification is an international system that divides all goods and services into 45 categories. Japan adopted it fully and requires every trademark application to specify at least one class.
Your trademark is only protected in the classes you register. A competitor can legally use a similar mark for goods or services in a class you did not cover.
Class structure overview:
- Classes 1–5 — Chemicals, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
- Classes 6–11 — Metals, tools, machinery, electronics, lighting
- Classes 12–34 — Vehicles, instruments, paper, food, beverages, tobacco
- Classes 35–45 — Services: retail, finance, IT, education, entertainment, hospitality, legal
Japan Trademark Cost by Number of Classes
| Classes | Filing fee | Registration fee (10-year) | Total JPO fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ¥12,000 | ¥32,900 | ¥44,900 |
| 2 | ¥20,600 | ¥65,800 | ¥86,400 |
| 3 | ¥29,200 | ¥98,700 | ¥127,900 |
| 4 | ¥37,800 | ¥131,600 | ¥169,400 |
| 5 | ¥46,400 | ¥164,500 | ¥210,900 |
Most Important Classes for Foreign Businesses
| Class | Covers | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Software, apps, electronics, downloadable content | Tech, SaaS, app developers |
| 14 | Jewellery, watches, precious metals | Luxury goods brands |
| 18 | Leather goods, bags, wallets | Fashion and accessories brands |
| 25 | Clothing, footwear, headwear | Apparel brands |
| 29 | Meat, dairy, processed foods | Food and grocery brands |
| 30 | Coffee, tea, confectionery, baked goods | Café, F&B brands |
| 32 | Beer, non-alcoholic beverages | Beverage brands |
| 35 | Retail, advertising, business management | E-commerce, retailers |
| 41 | Education, training, entertainment | EdTech, media, content creators |
| 42 | IT services, software development, cloud | SaaS, IT consulting, tech firms |
| 43 | Restaurant, café, hotel services | F&B brands, hospitality |
| 44 | Medical, beauty, healthcare services | Clinics, beauty brands, wellness |
Trademark Filing Process: Class Selection Steps
- List your core goods and services — Write down exactly what you sell or provide under this brand in Japan today
- Identify near-future products — Include classes for lines you plan to launch within 3–5 years
- Match to Nice Classes — Use the JPO's official class headings or ask your attorney for guidance
- Search each class — Run a clearance search in every class you plan to file before submitting
- Confirm descriptions — Japan requires specific goods/services descriptions within each class. Your attorney will draft these in JPO-approved format
- File and monitor — After registration, maintain genuine use in each class to protect against cancellation
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Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Class selection and search | 1–5 business days |
| Application preparation and filing | 1–2 weeks |
| JPO examination | 6–12 months |
| Total to registration (uncontested) | 10–14 months |
Common Mistakes
- Too few classes — Gaps in coverage let competitors register your brand in uncovered categories — even after you are registered elsewhere
- Too many classes — Marks not used in Japan for 3 consecutive years can be cancelled by any third party. Only register what you will actively use
- Forgetting Class 35 — Companies selling physical products in Japan often also need Class 35 to protect their retail and e-commerce operations
- Ignoring Class 9 and 42 for digital businesses — Software products need Class 9; IT services need Class 42. Many tech companies mistakenly file only one of these
- Adding classes after filing — You cannot add classes to an existing application. A new separate application is required. Get it right the first time
FAQ
How many Nice Classes do I need for a Japan trademark?
Most small and medium businesses need 1–3 classes. The key is covering every category of goods and services you actively sell or plan to sell in Japan within the next 3–5 years. Your attorney can advise on the minimum effective coverage for your business.
Can I add Nice Classes after my Japan trademark is filed?
No. Once filed, you cannot add new classes to an existing application or registration. To cover an additional class, you must file a new, separate trademark application. This is why correct class selection from the start is critical.
What happens if I register classes I don't use in Japan?
Any class in which the mark has not been used in Japan for 3 consecutive years is vulnerable to a non-use cancellation action filed by any third party. Drop unused classes at renewal time to reduce this risk.
Does one Japan trademark application cover all 45 classes?
No. You must specify the exact classes you want to cover. Each class you add increases both the filing fee (¥8,600 per class) and the registration fee (¥32,900 per class for 10 years). Filing all 45 classes is not practical or advisable.
Conclusion
Japan trademark Nice Classes define the scope of your brand protection. Choose carefully — you cannot expand your coverage after filing without a new application.
- 45 classes total: Classes 1–34 (goods), Classes 35–45 (services)
- Each additional class: +¥8,600 filing, +¥32,900 registration (10-year)
- Cannot add classes after filing — get it right from the start
- Only register classes you will genuinely use in Japan
Register Your Trademark in Japan
If you plan to enter the Japanese market, securing your trademark is essential. BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark filings.
Related articles
- Trademark Classes in Japan: How to Choose from the 45 Nice Classes and Describe Your Goods/Services
- "Intent to Use" Refusals in Japan: Too Many Goods, Class 35 Retail and How to Respond
- SaaS and App Trademarks in Japan: Why Class 42 Alone Leaves Gaps (Classes 9, 35 and More)
- How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)