Trademark Class 1: Chemical products used in industry, science and agriculture

When you start protecting your brand with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), one of the first things you’ll hear about is the International Classification of Goods and Services. This is a global filing system, often called the Nice Classification, and it helps organize every trademark application into the right category.

There are 45 different classes in total:

• 34 classes for goods (physical products), and
• 11 classes for services (things you offer or do).

Each trademark has to be filed under at least one class, and that class defines the scope of your legal protection. Filing under the wrong one can leave your brand exposed, even if your registration goes through.

What Falls Under Class 1?

Class 1 is all about chemical products and industrial materials. It may not sound exciting, but it’s essential for many businesses. Examples include:

• Fertilizers and compost.
• Chemicals used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and science.
• Industrial adhesives.
• Fire-extinguishing materials.
• Unprocessed plastics and resins.
• Food-preserving chemicals.
• Tanning substances.

This class mainly covers raw ingredients that other industries transform into final products.

What Does Not Belong in Class 1?

To avoid misfiling, it’s good to know what’s excluded:

• Chemicals for medicine and pharmaceuticals (Class 5).
• Fungicides, herbicides, and pest-control products (Class 5).
• Household and stationery adhesives (Class 16).
• Salt for preserving food (Class 30).
• Raw natural resins (Class 2).
• Straw mulch (Class 31).

Why Correct Classification Matters

Your chosen class shapes your protection and enforcement rights. A wrong filing may lead to rejection, opposition, or even cancellation later on.

For example, in Zuneca Pharmaceutical vs. Natrapharm (2020), the Supreme Court stressed that trademarks are only safeguarded in the classes where they are properly registered and actually used. This decision highlighted the importance of accurate classification.

Similarly, in Shell Philippines vs. PNOC, the dispute over chemical additives showed how goods that seem related still require precise classification under IPOPHL rules.

A Friendly Reminder for Women Entrepreneurs

If you’re in the business of fertilizers, raw materials, resins, or industrial chemicals, then Class 1 is the right home for your mark. But because chemicals often overlap with pharmaceuticals or consumer goods, it’s easy to misclassify.

That’s why many business owners — especially women balancing both brand-building and daily operations — choose to get help from IP professionals. Firms like Brealant, Federis, or Hechanova can make sure your application lands in the correct class, saving you time, money, and stress.

💡 Tip: A wrong class doesn’t just delay your registration. It can open the door for competitors to challenge your trademark.

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