What Are Trademark Registration Search Classes Used For?

Before answering the question of what Nice Classes in a trademark search are used for, we must define a Nice Class. The Nice Classification is a 45-class system that organizes goods and services according to international standards. In Turkey, the products or services in a trademark application are defined based on the Nice Classes. As of December 20, 2024, the current Nice list is applied in line with the "Communiqué on the Classification of Goods and Services for Trademark Registration Applications" published in the Official Gazette. The selected classes determine the areas in which the trademark will be protected. A correct selection ensures protection in all areas where the trademark operates, while an incorrect or incomplete class selection can lead to registration refusal or gaps in protection.

Before the application process, a detailed trademark search must be conducted via TÜRKPATENT's e-Portal. On the e-Portal, relevant trademarks can be examined using search types (e.g., "containing", "starting with", "equal to") and class filters. This process helps minimize the risk of opposition by identifying similar marks. The following sections will cover the importance of Nice classes, the consequences of class selection, e-Portal search types and example queries, common mistakes and their solutions, restrictions on adding classes, and a pre-application checklist.

Correct Class Selection Protects Your Trademark

Correct selection of Nice classes in a trademark search is critical for thorough protection of your mark. If you operate in multiple sectors, an application should be filed in all relevant classes.

Incorrect or incomplete class selection can lead to the refusal of the registration application and protection of the mark only within a narrow scope. For example, if a restaurant business applies only in class 43 (food and beverage services), there will be no protection covering the food products it produces. An application must also be filed in classes 29 and/or 30.

Class selection also affects the application cost, as a separate fee is paid for each additional class. The selected classes determine the scope of infringement claims during opposition proceedings. Therefore, the business activity should be analyzed well, and classes should be identified with the help of classification tools and the support of Sistem Patent's trademark agents if necessary.

Search Examples:

• Exact Search: Entering 'equal to: DENEME' in the trademark name field lists only exact "DENEME" trademarks.
• Beginning Search: 'starting with: ARA' searches for trademark names starting with "ARA" (e.g., "ARABA", "ARALIK").
• Content Search: 'containing: TEKNO' finds trademarks with "TEKNO" in their name ("TEKNOFEST", "GENTEKNO").
• Phonetic/Visual: In some special software (if available), selecting phonetic search and typing GUNES may also find the "GÜNES" trademark. In visual search, similar logo images can be uploaded.
• Class Filtering: To search only in specific classes, select "specified classes" and, for example, enter 35, 41 to conduct a search relevant to that sector.

The trademark research process is thorough, and we recommend getting professional support on this matter. You can request our expert agents for a trademark search from our trademark search page. After conducting a free preliminary search, our agents will inform you whether your trademark is suitable for registration. You can also appoint us as your agent firm for your relevant trademark application from our trademark application page.