Trademark Classes List in the UAE: A Complete Guide

UAE Trademarks · Published 2024-11-24 · Updated 2024-11-24 · 8 min read

Update, January 2026: from 27 January 2026 the UAE applies the 13th edition of the Nice Classification. All 45 classes below reflect that edition.

In the UAE, trademarks are essential for protecting your brand identity, ensuring that your products and services stand out in a competitive market. To register a trademark in the UAE, it is crucial to understand the trademark classification system. This system categorizes goods and services under specific classes, making it easier to define the scope of protection. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the trademark classes in the UAE and their significance.

What Are Trademark Classes?

Trademark classes refer to the categories under the Nice Classification (NCL), an internationally recognized system used for the classification of goods and services. The UAE adopts this system, comprising 45 classes—34 for goods and 11 for services.

Each class includes a broad range of items or activities, and registering your trademark in the correct class is critical to ensure proper protection for your brand.

Why Are Trademark Classes Important?

Specific Protection: Registering in the appropriate class ensures your trademark is protected for the exact goods or services your business offers.
Avoid Conflicts: It helps prevent disputes with other businesses operating in different sectors.
Cost Efficiency: You can register only in the classes relevant to your business, reducing unnecessary expenses.

Trademark Classes for Goods (Classes 1–34)

Here’s a quick overview of some key classes for goods:

Class 1: Chemicals used in industry, science, and agriculture.
Class 3: Cosmetics, cleaning products, and perfumery.
Class 5: Pharmaceuticals, medical products, and dietary supplements.
Class 9: Electronic devices, software, and scientific instruments.
Class 25: Clothing, footwear, and headgear.
Class 30: Food products, including coffee, tea, and spices.

Trademark Classes for Services (Classes 35–45)

For service-oriented businesses, the relevant classes include:

Class 35: Business management, advertising, and consultancy.
Class 36: Financial and insurance services.
Class 41: Education, training, and entertainment services.
Class 43: Food and accommodation services, including restaurants and hotels.
Class 45: Legal services and security consultancy.

How to Choose the Right Class for Your Trademark

Identify Your Core Business Activities: Understand what your business offers to determine the appropriate class.
Review the Nice Classification Manual: Refer to the official list for detailed descriptions of each class.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consult trademark experts or lawyers to ensure accurate classification.

Trademark Registration Process in the UAE

Application Submission: File your trademark application with the UAE Ministry of Economy.
Class Selection: Specify the trademark class or classes relevant to your goods or services.
Examination: The Ministry reviews your application for compliance.
Publication: The trademark is published in official gazettes for public opposition.
Approval: If no objections are raised, your trademark is registered.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the trademark classes in the UAE is a fundamental step in securing your brand. Choosing the right class ensures comprehensive protection and minimizes risks of disputes. Whether you’re starting a new business or expanding your operations, consulting professionals can help streamline the registration process and avoid costly errors.

International Trademark Classes

Here are the forty-five so-called "Nice classes" into which trademark applications are classified. The classes are named after the city of Nice, France, where the first listing of classes was negotiated in 1957.

Goods

CLASS 1 (Chemicals): Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.
CLASS 2 (Paints): Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists. Explanatory Note This class includes mainly paints, colorants and preparations used for the protection against corrosion. Includes, in particular: paints, varnishes and lacquers for industry, handicrafts and arts; dyestuffs for clothing; colorants for foodstuffs and beverages.
CLASS 3 (Cosmetics and cleaning preparations): Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.
CLASS 4 (Lubricants and fuels): Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles, wicks.
CLASS 5 (Pharmaceuticals): Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides.
CLASS 6 (Metal goods): Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; iron mongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; goods of common metal not included in other classes; ores.
CLASS 7 (Machinery): Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs.
CLASS 8 (Hand tools): Hand tools and implements (hand operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.
CLASS 9 (Electrical and scientific apparatus): Scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), lifesaving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; fire-extinguishing apparatus.
CLASS 10 (Medical Apparatus): Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.
CLASS 11 (Environmental control apparatus): Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.
CLASS 12 (Vehicles): Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.
CLASS 13 (Firearms): Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.
CLASS 14 (Jewelry): Precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, not included in other classes; jewelry, precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.
CLASS 15 (Musical Instruments): Musical instruments.
CLASS 16 (Paper goods and printed matter): Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists' materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); playing cards; printers' type; printing blocks.
CLASS 17 (Rubber goods): Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.
CLASS 18 (Leather goods): Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.
CLASS 19 (Nonmetallic building materials): Building materials (nonmetallic); nonmetallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen; nonmetallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.
CLASS 20 (Furniture and articles not otherwise classified): Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.
CLASS 21 (Housewares and glass): Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steel wool; un-worked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes.
CLASS 22 (Cordage and fibers): Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks and bags (not included in other classes); padding and stuffing materials (except of rubber or plastics); raw fibrous textile materials.
CLASS 23 (Yarns and threads): Yarns and threads, for textile use.
CLASS 24 (Fabrics): Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed and table covers.
CLASS 25 (Clothing): Clothing, footwear, headgear.
CLASS 26 (Fancy goods): Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.
CLASS 27 (Floor coverings): Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).
CLASS 28 (Toys and sporting goods): Games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles not included in other classes; decorations for Christmas trees.
CLASS 29 (Meats and processed foods): Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, fruit sauces; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats.
CLASS 30 (Staple foods): Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.
CLASS 31 (Natural agricultural products): Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains not included in other classes; living animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, natural plants and flowers; foodstuffs for animals, malt.
CLASS 32 (Light beverages): Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other nonalcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.
CLASS 33 (Wine and spirits): Alcoholic beverages (except beers).
CLASS 34 (Smokers' articles): Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches.

SERVICES

CLASS 35 (Advertising and business): Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.
CLASS 36 (Insurance and financial): Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs.
CLASS 37 (Building construction and repair): Building construction; repair; installation services.
CLASS 38 (Communication Services): Services allowing people to communicate with another by a sensory means.
CLASS 39 (Transportation and storage): Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.
CLASS 40 (Treatment of materials): Treatment of materials.
CLASS 41 (Education and entertainment): Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.
CLASS 42 (Computer, scientific & legal): Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto: industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software; legal services.
CLASS 43 (Hotels and Restaurants): Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodations.
CLASS 44 (Medical, beauty & agricultural): Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.
CLASS 45 (Personal): Personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals; security services for the protection of property and individuals

Each class is a separate application costing AED 6,500 – see the trademark registration cost in the UAE and our multi-class registration guide. Ready to file? Start trademark registration in the UAE.