China Trademark Office Adopts Revised Classification of Similar Goods and Services Effective 1 January 2017
The China Trademark Office (CTMO) has adopted a new version of the Classification of Similar Goods and Services ("the Classification") revised on the basis of the 11th edition of the Nice Classification. This revision has brought substantial changes to the Classification, involving 42 out of the 45 classes of goods and services, 15 class headings, and explanatory notes for 22 classes.
The revision also features, in accordance with the 11th edition of the Nice Classification, the addition of a number of new terms to incorporate novel goods and services emerging over the course of technological progress and social development, such as"头戴式虚拟现实装置" (virtual reality headsets), "电动运载工具用充电站" (charging stations for electric vehicles), "共用办公室出租" (rental of offices for co-working), and "车辆共享服务" (car sharing services). There are also some newly added terms which are not yet found in the Nice Classification, such as "可下载的手机应用软件" (downloadable mobile apps), "人脸识别设备" (face recognition devices), "机顶盒" (set-top boxes), and "自平衡车" (self-balancing scooters).
The Classification is applicable to trademark applications filed with CTMO on or after 1 January 2017. As for trademark applications filed with CTMO before that date, the previous version of the Classification applies.
