Trade mark classes (Markenklassen)

In practice

The class number, however, is only a sorting aid and matters for the fees. Protection is determined by the terms set out in the list of goods and services. Every trade mark application therefore starts with the question of what the sign is to be used for: only for today’s product, or also for accessories, software and related services. A class can only be added later through a new application with a new priority. A blanket application is open to challenge, however. Once the five-year grace period for non-use has expired, continued non-use can lead to revocation of the trade mark.