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Trade Marks Act 2002

Process for obtaining registration of trade mark and other matters - Preliminary

31: Classification of trade marks

You could also call this:

"Trade marks are sorted into groups based on what they're used for"

When you want to register a trade mark, you need to classify the goods and services it covers. You must use the current version of the Nice Classification system to do this. The Nice Classification is a special system that groups similar goods and services together.

If you're not sure which class your goods or services belong to, you can ask the Commissioner. The Commissioner will decide for you, and their decision is final. You have to accept what they say.

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View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM164487.

Topics:
Business > Intellectual property
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Part 3Process for obtaining registration of trade mark and other matters
Preliminary

31Classification of trade marks

  1. Goods and services must be classified, for the purpose of registration of a trade mark, according to the edition of the Nice Classification in effect at the time of application for registration of the trade mark.

  2. Any question arising as to the class within which any goods or services fall must be determined by the Commissioner, whose decision is final.

Notes
  • Section 31(1): replaced, on , by section 5 of the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2011 (2011 No 71).