{"id":57,"date":"2026-03-14T12:48:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T03:48:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/?p=57"},"modified":"2026-11-02T16:35:30","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T07:35:30","slug":"japan_trademark_nice_classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan_trademark_nice_classes\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan Trademark Nice Classes: Complete Guide for Foreign Businesses (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Answer<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Japan uses the Nice Classification system \u2014 45 classes total<\/li>\r\n<li>Classes 1\u201334 cover goods; Classes 35\u201345 cover services<\/li>\r\n<li>Each class adds \u00a58,600 to your filing fee and \u00a532,900 to your 10-year registration fee<\/li>\r\n<li>You cannot add classes after filing \u2014 choose correctly from the start<\/li>\r\n<li>Unused classes are vulnerable to cancellation after 3 years of non-use in Japan<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan trademark Nice Classes define where your brand protection begins and ends. Choosing the wrong classes \u2014 too few or too many \u2014 is one of the most common and costly mistakes foreign businesses make when filing in Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not sure which Nice Classes you need?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark applications for domestic and international clients.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>English support<\/li>\r\n<li>Transparent pricing<\/li>\r\n<li>Experienced Japanese patent attorney<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\"><strong>\u2192 Start Your Japan Trademark Filing<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are Japan Trademark Nice Classes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Class structure overview:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Classes 1\u20135<\/strong> \u2014 Chemicals, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Classes 6\u201311<\/strong> \u2014 Metals, tools, machinery, electronics, lighting<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Classes 12\u201334<\/strong> \u2014 Vehicles, instruments, paper, food, beverages, tobacco<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Classes 35\u201345<\/strong> \u2014 Services: retail, finance, IT, education, entertainment, hospitality, legal<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Japan Trademark Cost by Number of Classes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Classes<\/th><th>Filing fee<\/th><th>Registration fee (10-year)<\/th><th>Total JPO fees<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1<\/td><td>\u00a512,000<\/td><td>\u00a532,900<\/td><td>\u00a544,900<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2<\/td><td>\u00a520,600<\/td><td>\u00a565,800<\/td><td>\u00a586,400<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3<\/td><td>\u00a529,200<\/td><td>\u00a598,700<\/td><td>\u00a5127,900<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4<\/td><td>\u00a537,800<\/td><td>\u00a5131,600<\/td><td>\u00a5169,400<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>5<\/td><td>\u00a546,400<\/td><td>\u00a5164,500<\/td><td>\u00a5210,900<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Most Important Classes for Foreign Businesses<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Class<\/th><th>Covers<\/th><th>Who needs it<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>9<\/td><td>Software, apps, electronics, downloadable content<\/td><td>Tech, SaaS, app developers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>14<\/td><td>Jewellery, watches, precious metals<\/td><td>Luxury goods brands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>18<\/td><td>Leather goods, bags, wallets<\/td><td>Fashion and accessories brands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>25<\/td><td>Clothing, footwear, headwear<\/td><td>Apparel brands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>29<\/td><td>Meat, dairy, processed foods<\/td><td>Food and grocery brands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>30<\/td><td>Coffee, tea, confectionery, baked goods<\/td><td>Caf\u00e9, F&amp;B brands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>32<\/td><td>Beer, non-alcoholic beverages<\/td><td>Beverage brands<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>35<\/td><td>Retail, advertising, business management<\/td><td>E-commerce, retailers<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>41<\/td><td>Education, training, entertainment<\/td><td>EdTech, media, content creators<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>42<\/td><td>IT services, software development, cloud<\/td><td>SaaS, IT consulting, tech firms<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>43<\/td><td>Restaurant, caf\u00e9, hotel services<\/td><td>F&amp;B brands, hospitality<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>44<\/td><td>Medical, beauty, healthcare services<\/td><td>Clinics, beauty brands, wellness<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Trademark Filing Process: Class Selection Steps<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>List your core goods and services<\/strong> \u2014 Write down exactly what you sell or provide under this brand in Japan today<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Identify near-future products<\/strong> \u2014 Include classes for lines you plan to launch within 3\u20135 years<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Match to Nice Classes<\/strong> \u2014 Use the JPO&#8217;s official class headings or ask your attorney for guidance<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Search each class<\/strong> \u2014 Run a clearance search in every class you plan to file before submitting<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Confirm descriptions<\/strong> \u2014 Japan requires specific goods\/services descriptions within each class. Your attorney will draft these in JPO-approved format<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>File and monitor<\/strong> \u2014 After registration, maintain genuine use in each class to protect against cancellation<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Planning to register a trademark in Japan?<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BrandAgent provides full support for foreign companies.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>Trademark search<\/li>\r\n<li>Application filing<\/li>\r\n<li>JPO office action responses<\/li>\r\n<li>Registration<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\"><strong>\u2192 Learn More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timeline<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Stage<\/th><th>Duration<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Class selection and search<\/td><td>1\u20135 business days<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Application preparation and filing<\/td><td>1\u20132 weeks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>JPO examination<\/td><td>6\u201312 months<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Total to registration (uncontested)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>10\u201314 months<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Too few classes<\/strong> \u2014 Gaps in coverage let competitors register your brand in uncovered categories \u2014 even after you are registered elsewhere<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Too many classes<\/strong> \u2014 Marks not used in Japan for 3 consecutive years can be cancelled by any third party. Only register what you will actively use<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Forgetting Class 35<\/strong> \u2014 Companies selling physical products in Japan often also need Class 35 to protect their retail and e-commerce operations<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Ignoring Class 9 and 42 for digital businesses<\/strong> \u2014 Software products need Class 9; IT services need Class 42. Many tech companies mistakenly file only one of these<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Adding classes after filing<\/strong> \u2014 You cannot add classes to an existing application. A new separate application is required. Get it right the first time<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many Nice Classes do I need for a Japan trademark?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most small and medium businesses need 1\u20133 classes. The key is covering every category of goods and services you actively sell or plan to sell in Japan within the next 3\u20135 years. Your attorney can advise on the minimum effective coverage for your business.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I add Nice Classes after my Japan trademark is filed?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens if I register classes I don&#8217;t use in Japan?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does one Japan trademark application cover all 45 classes?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. You must specify the exact classes you want to cover. Each class you add increases both the filing fee (\u00a58,600 per class) and the registration fee (\u00a532,900 per class for 10 years). Filing all 45 classes is not practical or advisable.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan trademark Nice Classes define the scope of your brand protection. Choose carefully \u2014 you cannot expand your coverage after filing without a new application.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li>45 classes total: Classes 1\u201334 (goods), Classes 35\u201345 (services)<\/li>\r\n<li>Each additional class: +\u00a58,600 filing, +\u00a532,900 registration (10-year)<\/li>\r\n<li>Cannot add classes after filing \u2014 get it right from the start<\/li>\r\n<li>Only register classes you will genuinely use in Japan<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Register Your Trademark in Japan<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to enter the Japanese market, securing your trademark is essential. BrandAgent Patent Office has handled over 4,000 trademark filings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en\/trademark_lp\/\"><strong>\u2192 Start Your Filing Today<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n\n\n<h2 id=\"related-articles\"><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\">Related articles<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan_trademark_classes\/\">Trademark Classes in Japan: How to Choose from the 45 Nice Classes and Describe Your Goods\/Services<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-intent-to-use\/\">&#8220;Intent to Use&#8221; Refusals in Japan: Too Many Goods, Class 35 Retail and How to Respond<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-saas-app-classes\/\">SaaS and App Trademarks in Japan: Why Class 42 Alone Leaves Gaps (Classes 9, 35 and More)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 120%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/japan-trademark-cost\/\">How Much Does a Japanese Trademark Cost? Fees for Foreign Applicants (2026)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick Answer Japan uses the Nice Classification system \u2014 45 classes total Classes 1\u201334 cover goods; Classes 35\u201345 cover services Each class adds \u00a58,600 to your filing fee and \u00a532,900 to your 10-year registration fee You cannot add classes after filing \u2014 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 \u2014 too few or too many \u2014 is one of the most common and costly mistakes foreign businesses make when filing in Japan. Not &#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":349,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-57","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trademark"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=57"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":239,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57\/revisions\/239"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/349"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=57"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=57"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brandagent.jp\/en_blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=57"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}