Trademark Classes in Hong Kong 2026: The 45 Nice Classes Explained (Fees & Examples)
Updated: Oct 15
Picking the right trademark class is the single most common reason Hong Kong applications get rejected. Hong Kong uses the Nice Classification (Edition 13) — 45 classes split into goods (1–34) and services (35–45). Official fees are HK$2,000 for the first class plus HK$1,000 for each extra class. Choose the wrong class and your mark won't protect the business you actually run.
Key Takeaways
Hong Kong follows the Nice Classification, 13th edition: 34 goods classes + 11 service classes.
You must register in the class (or classes) that genuinely cover what you sell or do.
Official IPD fee: HK$2,000 first class + HK$1,000 each additional class.
Choosing too few classes leaves you exposed to squatters; too many wastes money and invites objections.
A pre-filing class & search assessment meaningfully lowers rejection and opposition risk.
What Is the Nice Classification (and Why Hong Kong Uses Edition 13)?
The Nice Classification is the international system for grouping goods and services into 45 classes, maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) applies the current 13th edition when examining Hong Kong applications. Using the correct edition wording keeps your goods/services description precise and examination fast.
The 45 Classes at a Glance
Goods (Classes 1–34)
Class 1 — Chemicals; Class 2 — Paints; Class 3 — Cosmetics & cleaning.
Class 5 — Pharmaceuticals; Class 7 — Machinery; Class 9 — Electronics, software, apps.
Class 10 — Medical devices; Class 14 — Jewellery; Class 16 — Paper, printed goods.
Class 18 — Leather goods; Class 21 — Housewares; Class 25 — Clothing, footwear.
Class 28 — Toys, sporting goods; Class 29 — Food; Class 30 — Coffee, tea, snacks.
Class 32 — Beverages; Class 33 — Alcoholic drinks; Class 34 — Tobacco.
Services (Classes 35–45)
Class 35 — Advertising, retail, e-commerce, business management.
Class 36 — Finance, insurance; Class 37 — Construction, repair.
Class 39 — Transport, logistics; Class 41 — Education, training, entertainment.
Class 42 — Tech & software development, SaaS; Class 43 — Restaurants, hospitality.
Class 44 — Beauty, medical & healthcare services; Class 45 — Legal & IP services.
Hong Kong Industry Cheat Sheet (Which Class Fits You?)
F&B / restaurant → Class 43 (plus Class 30 for packaged food products).
Online shop / retail brand → Class 35 (plus your product class, e.g. 25 for clothing).
Tech startup / SaaS → Class 9 (software) + Class 42 (development services).
Beauty clinic / salon → Class 44 (services) + Class 3 (cosmetic products).
Education / tutoring → Class 41; printing / apparel → Class 40 + Class 25.
Law firm / IP agent → Class 45; finance / fintech → Class 36.
One Mark, Multiple Classes: Fee Breakdown (2026)
A single application can cover multiple classes. Official IPD fees:
Application (Form T2): HK$2,000 for the first class, plus HK$1,000 for each additional class.
Preliminary advice (Form T1): HK$400 per class.
Notice of opposition (Form T6): HK$800.
Registering in two classes therefore costs HK$3,000 in official fees; three classes cost HK$4,000, and so on. Agency service fees are additional and should be quoted itemised upfront.
What Happens If You Pick the Wrong Class?
Your mark won't cover the goods or services you actually sell, so you can't stop an infringer in the right category.
A third party can register your name in the unprotected class and trade on your reputation.
A description that over-claims or under-claims can trigger an examination objection and delay registration.
You cannot simply add a forgotten class later — you must file a new application (and pay again).
Trademark Search + Class Strategy to Lower Rejection Risk
Before filing, run a search across the classes relevant to your business to spot identical or similar earlier marks. A professional assessment maps your actual revenue lines to the correct classes, drafts a precise goods/services description in Edition 13 wording, and flags classes worth securing early before a competitor does. This is the highest-leverage step you can take to avoid rejection and wasted fees.
FAQ
How many classes can I register a Hong Kong trademark in?
There is no hard limit — you can cover as many classes as your business needs. The first class costs HK$2,000 and each additional class HK$1,000.
Can I add a class to my trademark after registration?
No. You cannot extend an existing registration into a new class. You must file a separate, new application (and pay the relevant fees) for the additional class.
What if a competitor registered my name in a different class?
You may have options to oppose or invalidate depending on timing and circumstances, but acting early is key. A class-coverage review can identify gaps before they become disputes.
How do I know which class to choose?
Match your class to the goods or services you actually provide, using the Nice Classification edition 13 wording. A professional assessment maps your business to the correct classes and avoids over- or under-claiming.
Will choosing the wrong class cause my application to be rejected?
It can. An imprecise or over-broad goods/services description is a common ground for an examination objection, and registering in the wrong class fails to protect your real business.
Free Class & Search Assessment
Get your classes right the first time. Get a free trademark class review and success assessment before you file — call +852 2810 6861 or explore our trademark registration services. For the full process, see our guide to trademark registration in Hong Kong and comprehensive trademark protection.
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