World 2 · Name Detective · Lesson 07

Trademark classes and territorial scope

A trademark protects what you list, where you register it — and no more.

4 min
Jurisdictions: International / treaty, Australia, Vietnam, European Union
Last reviewed: 18 October 2026

Draft — awaiting editorial review

Educational content, not legal advice. Lessons are drafts awaiting editorial review.

You will learn to

Explain the Nice Classification and the role of classes.
Recognise the risk of choosing the wrong or too few classes.
Distinguish national, regional and international (Madrid) filings.

45 classes of goods and services

Most countries, including Australia and Vietnam, classify goods and services using the Nice Classification administered by WIPO: classes 1–34 for goods and 35–45 for services. A trademark application lists the classes and the specific items. Your right is defined by that list, so a description that is too narrow can leave gaps, and one that is too broad can be challenged for non-use (and in Australia can be opposed for lack of intention to use).

National, regional and international

You can file directly in each country. Some regional systems cover several countries with one right, such as the European Union trade mark granted by EUIPO. The Madrid System lets you file one international application designating many member countries — Australia and Vietnam are both members — but each designated country still examines it under its own law.

Try a scenario

"Kite Learning" holds an Australian trademark in class 41 (education services). It is launching a downloadable learning app and selling courses in Singapore.

Which gap is the most obvious?

None — class 41 covers everything to do with education.The app may need class 9, and Singapore needs its own protection.Just register the .sg domain.

Check your understanding

PracticePractice testSee the explanation after each question.

Pass mark: 80% — for this lesson that means every question.

Question 1 of 4In the Nice Classification, what are classes 35–45 for?

Services.Exported goods.Well-known marks.

Take away

Write down what you sell now and in the next two or three years, and where — that is the first draft of your classes and territories.

Apply it to your IP

Nothing runs or is saved on its own. Each option only opens a tool when you choose it.

What this lesson cannot tell you

Choosing classes and wording a specification is a professional skill; rules and fees differ by office. Consult a trade marks attorney or IP lawyer before filing.