How to Search Trademark Registrations and Select Classes
Learn how to conduct trademark searches through WIPO, EUIPO, and USPTO and determine the appropriate Nice classes.
Before filing a trademark application, you should check whether an identical or similar trademark has already been registered. For international trademark applications in particular, selecting the correct Nice class is just as critical as assessing name similarity. Choosing the wrong class may result in the application being rejected or leave the trademark inadequately protected.
The trademark search process generally focuses on three key points:
- Whether the trademark name has already been registered
- The countries in which protection is required
- Whether the correct Nice class has been selected
According to data from the World Intellectual Property Organization, millions of new trademark applications are filed every year. Preliminary research is therefore no longer optional; it has become an essential part of risk management.
Searching for Trademarks Through WIPO, USPTO, and EUIPO
The three official systems most commonly used for international trademark research are:
| Platform | Coverage | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| WIPO Global Brand Database | International trademark registrations | Multi-country research |
| EUIPO | European Union trademarks | EU countries |
| USPTO | U.S. trademark registrations | U.S. market |
WIPO Trademark Search
To conduct a trademark search in the World Intellectual Property Organization system:
- Enter the trademark name
- Check similar terms
- Filter by the relevant classes
- Review the status information
Official system: WIPO Global Brand Database
“Similar spellings should also be checked; reviewing exact matches alone is often insufficient.”
In practice, one of the most common mistakes is failing to research English variations of trademarks containing Turkish characters.
What Should You Consider When Searching EUIPO and USPTO?
The European Union Intellectual Property Office is a critical database, particularly for companies seeking to enter the European market.
Official search system:
EUIPO eSearch Plus
For the United States, the United States Patent and Trademark Office system is used.
Official system:
USPTO Trademark Search
In the U.S., both name similarity and similarity in pronunciation are assessed. Trademarks with phonetic similarities may therefore pose a risk.
→ A similar trademark is assumed not to exist → substantial costs arise during opposition proceedings.
How Is the Nice Classification Determined?
The international system used for trademark applications is called the Nice Classification. It comprises a total of 45 classes:
- 1–34: Goods classes
- 35–45: Service classes
For example:
| Class | Field |
|---|---|
| 25 | Clothing products |
| 35 | Advertising and e-commerce services |
| 41 | Education and consultancy |
| 43 | Café and restaurant services |
Official classification resource:
Nice Classification Database
“Selecting the correct class determines the commercial activities for which the trademark will be protected.”
But are you still selecting classes based solely on your current business activities?
A critical issue repeatedly observed in practice is that companies forget to include areas into which they intend to expand in the future. This may result in the cost of filing a second application later.
How Can You Determine Your Trademark Class for Free?
Selecting a class can sometimes be more challenging than conducting the trademark search itself. Multiple classes may be required, particularly for digital services, software, e-commerce, and consultancy.
Automated class selection tools can therefore accelerate the process. A preliminary analysis provides a significant advantage, especially for businesses planning an international application.
Through the MarcaWorld Contact Page, you can receive free class selection support and request a quote for international trademark registration services.
Key Points
- Researching similar trademarks before filing an application reduces the risk of opposition.
- The WIPO, EUIPO, and USPTO databases are the official resources most commonly used for international research.
- The Nice Classification comprises 45 classes and determines the scope of trademark protection.
- Selecting the wrong class may lead to additional costs and the need to refile.
- A professional preliminary analysis saves time when registering a trademark internationally.
Emerging Trends in International Trademark Applications
As of 2026, multi-class applications are becoming increasingly common, particularly in the artificial intelligence, SaaS, and digital services categories. In the European Union and the U.S., the scope of classes for e-commerce trademarks is also being examined in greater detail.
