China Trademark Goods & Services Classification Guide
Learn how to correctly classify goods and services for China trademark registration. Updated CNIPA rules, subclass risks, naming standards, and practical guidance for foreign applicants to avoid rejection and enforcement failure.
1 Goods & Services Classification in China: The Legal Framework
1.1 Nice Classification (Mandatory)
China is a member of the Nice Union and adopts the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Registration of Marks (Nice Classification).
The Nice Classification is revised annually and serves as the basic classification framework for all China trademark applications.
1.2 China-Specific: Distinction Table (Decisive)
The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) further refines the Nice Classification by:
The Distinction Table is the primary legal reference used by CNIPA examiners.
Each class includes:
- Class Headings – defining general scope
- [Notes] – explaining inclusions and exclusions
- Standard Names – officially accepted goods/services wording
Critical Rule
Applicants must use the Distinction Table version in force on the filing date. Using obsolete or future terms will result in rejection. 《Similar Goods and Services Classification Table — Based on the 12th Edition of the Nice Classification (2025 Version)》. To facilitate foreign users in viewing and selecting classes, we have translated the classifications from the CNIPA online trademark registration system into an English document. Please click here [China Trademark Classification 2026].
2 Why Classification Matters More in China Than Elsewhere
For foreign applicants, classification errors in China often lead to:
2.1 Same Nice Class ≠ Same Protection
In China, subclass overlap — not just class number — determines conflict and protection scope.
2.2 Common Foreign Applicant Mistakes
Solution: when CTMAA assists foreign clients with trademark registration in China, we always use a list of goods and services that corresponds exactly to the CNIPA classification system for their selection. This helps avoid application rejections due to incorrect selection of goods and services.
3 How to Classify Goods & Services in China (Step-by-Step)
Start with Nice Classification
All goods and services must fall within the Nice Classification framework. Other industry or regulatory classifications are irrelevant for trademark purposes.
Verify Against the Distinction Table
- If the goods or services are listed as Standard Names, use them directly.
- If not listed, determine classification by:
- Class headings
- [Notes]
- Comparison with similar standard items
Formatted as follows:
“Class 5: 050002 Aconitin, 050009 Medicinal acetaldehyd, 050023 Frostbite ointment ……………..”
“Class 35: ……. ”
Determine Purpose, Function, and Use
This step is crucial when goods or services may fall under multiple classes.
Assess Subclass Risk (China-Specific)
Even if classification is correct, wording may place the item in a different subclass, affecting enforcement and conflict outcomes.
Click here to learn more about the [ china trademark subclass system ]
4 Fundamental Classification Principles
4.1 Goods Classification
Finished Products
Classified by primary function or intended use
Multi-functional Goods
Classified by dominant function
Composite Materials
Classified by predominant material
4.2 Services Classification
Services are classified based on:
Advertising vs. Entertainment
Franchising Services
5 How to Name Goods & Services CNIPA Will Accept
5.1 Priority: Use Standard Names
Applicants should always prioritize Standard Names listed in the Distinction Table.
Only the specific name should be entered — not:
5.2 Using Non-Standard Names (When Necessary)
Other names may be accepted if they meet all of the following:
Supplementary explanations may be submitted, but cannot cure defective names.
6 Naming Do’s and Don’ts (Based on CNIPA Practice)
Acceptable
Unacceptable
7 Typical Unacceptable Applications
8 FAQ: Goods & Services Classification in China
Q1: Can I use the same goods and services description as my EU or US trademark application?
In most cases, no.
China does not examine trademarks based solely on Nice Class numbers. CNIPA examiners rely on the Distinction Table and its subclass system. Descriptions commonly accepted in the EU or US may:
- Fall into a different subclass in China
- Be considered vague or overly broad
- Result in partial rejection or no effective protection
Q2: If my trademark is successfully registered, does that mean I am fully protected in China?
Not necessarily.
A trademark can be registered yet still fail to:
- Block infringing marks in practice
- Cover your core products or services
- Support administrative enforcement or litigation
This usually happens when goods or services are misclassified or placed in the wrong subclass.
Q3: Can I simply select the class heading to get broader protection?
No. Class headings are not accepted as valid goods or services descriptions in China.
Using class headings instead of specific items will result in rejection. Even if accepted historically, this approach no longer works under current CNIPA practice.
You must list specific, clearly defined goods or services using CNIPA-accepted wording.
Q4: What happens if my goods or services fall into multiple possible classes?
CNIPA will not resolve ambiguity on your behalf.
If a description can reasonably fall into multiple classes or subclasses, it may be:
- Rejected for lack of clarity
- Interpreted narrowly by the examiner
- Assigned to an unintended subclass
Strategic classification and precise naming are required to avoid losing protection.
Q5: Is it safer to use only Standard Names from the Distinction Table?
Using Standard Names is generally safer, but not always sufficient.
Some Standard Names:
- Offer protection in very narrow subclasses
- Do not cover emerging business models
- May exclude your actual commercial use
Professional review is often needed to:
- Combine Standard Names strategically
- Add acceptable non-standard names where necessary
- Align protection scope with real business activities
Q6: Can I fix classification or naming problems after filing?
Correction options are extremely limited after filing.
In most cases:
- Goods and services cannot be expanded or substantively changed
- Errors require new applications, new fees, and new timelines
Q7: Do I need professional help if my application seems straightforward?
Many applications appear simple but fail due to:
- Subclass conflicts
- Overlooked China-only restrictions
- Inconsistent wording across related goods or services
Professional classification review helps ensure that:
9 Final Check Before You File in China
Before submitting your China trademark application, ask yourself:
If you are uncertain about any of the above, your application carries avoidable risk.
10 Work With a China Trademark Classification Specialist
China trademark protection begins before filing — not after rejection.
