The short answer
An online course may be an educational service in Class 41. Separately offered downloadable content may concern Class 9, and learning software supplied as SaaS Class 42. Using a third-party course platform does not automatically make you a software provider. Describe what learners or business customers actually receive from you.
Separate teaching from downloadable products
A course focuses on transferring knowledge or skills, including online. The Nice Classification distinguishes educational services from downloadable digital products. A recorded format therefore does not automatically turn every learning service into the same goods offering as a video file sold separately to the customer.
Check whether customers purchase teaching, access to a learning programme or independent files. Worksheets, electronic publications and video material should be described according to their actual delivery. A supplementary course document and a material library sold under its own brand may have different significance when planning the specification.
Sources: WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 41 · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 9
A platform you use is not your software service
Teaching through somebody else’s platform does not automatically mean selling your own SaaS service. The platform operator’s technical functions are not necessarily part of your offering. Establish whether customers buy education from you or whether you actually supply software for them to use under your own brand.
If you instead supply hosted learning software to other training providers under your mark, Class 42 may become relevant. Separate the technical platform from your own teaching offerings. A shared login or a single subscription does not automatically eliminate the distinction between educational content and the software being supplied.
Sources: WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 42 · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 41
Set the names and offering before launch
Assign a role to each sign: the academy name, the title of an enduring course programme or the software name. Not every heading needs to become a separate trademark. Decide which names customers should recognise over time as identifying the commercial source of your offering.
Prepare a list showing the service or product, delivery format and audience. Consider specifically planned downloadable products or software offerings before applying. A class specification does not automatically protect every educational or digital offering and cannot simply be expanded after registration. The wording should make the actual learning product understandable.
What you can do now
- List teaching services and separately supplied files.
- Separate third-party technology from your own software offering.
- Choose academy, programme and software names deliberately.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Class 42 just because the course is online?
Not for that reason alone. Online teaching can remain an educational service. Class 42 may become relevant when you supply hosted software yourself, rather than merely use a platform for your courses.
Sources: WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 41 · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 42
Are all course videos automatically Class 9 goods?
No. Distinguish downloadable video products from an educational offering. Format, delivery and the precise wording of what you offer need to be considered together.
Sources: WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 9 · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 41