When most people begin a trade mark application, they focus on the name or logo, not the goods and services specification. But your specification matters just as much as the mark itself. It determines the scope of protection, whether someone can challenge you later, and how much you pay.

Many business owners get this wrong. Some choose too many goods or services “just in case,” while others miss critical ones. The goods and services specification isn’t administrative, it defines your legal protection for the next decade.

Here’s a practical way to choose the right goods & services without overspending or leaving gaps.

What a goods and services specification actually is

A goods and services specification is a formal description of what your trade mark protects. It is not the same as a “class”.

Classes are administrative categories (Class 25 = clothing, Class 30 = food), while the specification is the precise wording that defines your rights.

Examples of specifications:
- Clothing, footwear, headwear 
- Retail services featuring apparel 
- Coffee; tea; sauces 
- Education services; workshops; coaching  

If it’s not listed in your specification, you are not protected for it.

Why your specification matters

1. You can’t fix it later 
Once filed, your specification cannot be broadened.

2. You don’t want to pay for classes that don’t reflect real activity 
Every class adds cost, but the protection comes from your specification wording.

3. A weak specification means weak protection 
Your rights only extend to what’s described. If the description is wrong or incomplete, the protection is too.

How to choose the right goods & services - the method we use

Step 1: Start with what you sell or do today 
List your actual goods and services.

Step 2: Add only real future plans (1–3 years) 
Protection must reflect realistic commercial plans.

Step 3: Check for multiple streams 
Products + services often need multiple goods & services descriptions.

Step 4: Check overlap 
If it’s a different revenue stream, it is likely a different good or service.

Common mistakes people make

1. Filing for “future merch” without real plans 
Skip it unless apparel is genuinely planned.

2. Assuming one class covers everything 
A specification including café services does not cover packaged beans.

3. Picking classes that “sound right” 
Government fees are charged per class, but the protection comes from the specification wording.

4. Not considering online offerings 
Digital services require specific wording.

5. Confusing goods with services 
Coffee beans ≠ coffee shop services.

How many classes do most businesses need?

Most need one to three, but precise specifications matter far more than class count.

Examples:
- Coaches: one or two 
- Retailers: two to three 
- Cafés: two to three 
- Beauty: two to four 
- Tech: two to three  

What if you chose the wrong goods or services?

You cannot broaden an existing specification. Options:
- File a new application 
- Keep a weak specification and possibly risk non-use or removal 
- Rebrand (rare but sometimes necessary)

Specification selection is strategic, not administrative
Your goods and services specification shapes your protection for a decade and possibly longer. When drafted correctly, it becomes a significant commercial asset.

Get Started. plummark can help you draft an accurate specification that reflect your real business and future plans.