As we have already mentioned, trademarks and intellectual properties are used to classify the origin of products and services, to protect creations and inventions, to specify the source of the good in question. TDM and IP prove that you are the owner of a specific “good”, it doesn’t matter if a word, a smells, a color, a design. The Nice Classification (NCL) is an international classification of goods and services applied for the registration of marks dividing product in 45 Classes. The classification also consists of an alphabetical list of the goods and services; the current version is the 10th edition (current year) version, which is used in Hong Kong with effect from 1 January, 2015.
Please refer to the section http://www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/intellectual_property/trademarks/how_to_classify.htm at the IPD’s website, and http://web2.wipo.int/classifications/nice/nicepub/en/fr/edition-20150101/taxonomy/ at the WIPO website for the details about the current edition and version of the International Classification.
Here a brief description of the first 5 classes:
- Class 1
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.
Examples of companies and products:
Tokyo Chemical Industry Co. – chemical reagents;
Dow AgroSciences LLC – fertilizers and other agricultural chemical products.
- Class 2
Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordents; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists.
Examples of companies and products:
Nippon Paint – paint products;
Hong Kong Offitech International Co. Ltd – Ink and toner cartridge.
- Class 3
Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.
Examples of companies and products:
Kao Corporation – bleaching and other cleaning products.
Colgate – toothpastes and other oral care products.
- Class 4
Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting.
Examples of companies:
Zippo – lighter fluid;
The Candle Company – candles.
- Class 5
Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic food and substances adapted for medical or veterinary use, food for babies; dietary supplements for humans and animals ; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides.
Examples of companies:
Abbott Laboratories – baby milk powder, other pharmaceutical and healthcare products;
Speedtox – pesticides.
For more details on the event, please contact sales@centreo.hk
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