China Trademark Classes Explained

45 classes

China follows the Nice Classification: classes 1–34 cover goods, 35–45 cover services. Protection is limited to the classes and items you register — competitors can coexist in classes you skip.

The subclass system

Within each class, China groups items into subclasses. Similarity is judged largely at subclass level, so covering the right subclasses matters more than sheer item count. Our registration package includes up to 10 subclasses per class.

A practical strategy

• Core class: your actual products or services
• Class 35: advertising, e-commerce and retail services — essential for online sellers
• Adjacent classes: components, packaging or future lines
• Defensive classes: where squatters typically attack