Trademark Registration in Nigeria: Understanding Trademark Classes
A registered trademark is a unique identity that distinguishes your business, product, or service from others in the marketplace. It offers legal protection, brand exclusivity, and the opportunity to benefit from your reputation and goodwill. In Nigeria, trademark registration is governed by a classification system that aligns with the internationally recognized Nice Classification system.
What Is Trademark Classification?
Trademark classification is the system used to group goods and services into different categories for registration purposes. Nigeria adopts the Nice International Classification of Goods and Services (Nice Agreement, 1957), which divides trademarks into 45 classes:
- Classes 1–34: Goods
- Classes 35–45: Services
If you wish to register a trademark across multiple classes, you must file a separate application for each class.
Why Choosing the Right Class Matters
Registering your trademark under the appropriate class ensures proper legal protection and market relevance. If your brand covers skincare products and spa services, for example, you’ll need to register under both Class 3 (cosmetics) and Class 44 (beauty care services).
List of Trademark Classes in Nigeria
Goods – Classes 1 to 34
Below are summaries of the classes for goods:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 | Industrial chemicals, unprocessed plastics, adhesives |
| Class 2 | Paints, varnishes, colorants |
| Class 3 | Cosmetics, soaps, perfumery |
| Class 4 | Industrial oils, fuels, candles |
| Class 5 | Pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, supplements |
| Class 6 | Common metals and metal goods |
| Class 7 | Machines, motors, vending machines |
| Class 8 | Hand tools, cutlery, razors |
| Class 9 | Electronics, software, measuring devices |
| Class 10 | Medical and veterinary instruments |
| Class 11 | Lighting, heating, air conditioning |
| Class 12 | Vehicles and vehicle parts |
| Class 13 | Firearms, fireworks |
| Class 14 | Jewelry, watches |
| Class 15 | Musical instruments |
| Class 16 | Paper goods, printed materials |
| Class 17 | Rubber, plastics, insulation materials |
| Class 18 | Leather goods, bags, umbrellas |
| Class 19 | Non-metallic building materials |
| Class 20 | Furniture, mirrors, frames |
| Class 21 | Kitchen utensils, glassware |
| Class 22 | Ropes, tents, raw textiles |
| Class 23 | Yarns and threads |
| Class 24 | Textiles, bedding |
| Class 25 | Clothing, footwear, headgear |
| Class 26 | Lace, ribbons, buttons |
| Class 27 | Carpets, mats, wallpaper |
| Class 28 | Games, toys, sports equipment |
| Class 29 | Meat, fish, dairy, preserved foods |
| Class 30 | Coffee, tea, spices, baked goods |
| Class 31 | Fruits, vegetables, pet food |
| Class 32 | Non-alcoholic beverages, water, juice |
| Class 33 | Alcoholic beverages |
| Class 34 | Tobacco, matches, lighters |
Services – Classes 35 to 45
These classes include business, legal, educational, hospitality, and technology-related services:
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 35 | Advertising, business management |
| Class 36 | Banking, insurance, financial services |
| Class 37 | Construction, repair, installation services |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications, internet services |
| Class 39 | Transport, travel, logistics |
| Class 40 | Material treatment, electricity generation |
| Class 41 | Education, entertainment, cultural services |
| Class 42 | Technology, science, software development |
| Class 43 | Hospitality, food and accommodation |
| Class 44 | Medical, veterinary, beauty services |
| Class 45 | Legal services, security, social work |
How to Register a Trademark in Nigeria
- Trademark Search: Conduct a search to ensure your mark is unique.
- Application Filing: Submit the application to the Trademarks Registry with relevant class(es).
- Examination and Publication: The Registry will examine and publish the mark for opposition.
- Registration Certificate: If unopposed, a certificate is issued.
Trademark registration in Nigeria is valid for 7 years initially and is renewable every 14 years thereafter.
Need Legal Help with Trademark Registration?
At Edelweiss Partners, we provide professional trademark services in Nigeria—from classification advice to full registration and legal enforcement. Whether you are a startup, SME, or multinational, we help secure your brand identity with ease.
Contact us today to begin your trademark registration journey.