Class 15 under the Nice Classification covers musical instruments, their parts, accessories, and music-related equipment.

Scope

Class 15 includes instruments used to produce music and their associated parts and fittings.

Goods covered under this class generally include:

• Pianos, organs, synthesizers, and keyboards
• String, wind, brass, and percussion instruments
• Musical instrument cases and stands
• Bows, strings, reeds, and drumsticks
• Electronic musical instruments
• Music boxes and metronomes
• Parts and accessories for musical instruments

Classification principle: If the product is designed to produce music or is a dedicated musical instrument accessory, it generally falls within Class 15.

Key Updates – Nice Classification (2026 Update)

As per the Nice Classification updates 2026, the following clarifications are particularly relevant to Class 15:

• Clearer separation between:
  • Musical instruments (Class 15), and
  • Audio playback or recording equipment (Class 9)
• Refined terminology to reduce overlap with:
  • Software for music production (Class 9)
  • Toy instruments (Class 28)

Digital musical instruments, MIDI controllers, and app-integrated instruments are now more clearly classified in Class 15 when the physical instrument is the dominant feature.

Practical takeaway: Distinguish the physical instrument from software or general audio equipment in the specification.

Goods NOT Included in Class 15 (But Commonly Confused)

The following goods are excluded from Class 15, despite frequent misclassification:

• Audio speakers and headphones (Class 9)
• Music production software (Class 9)
• Toy musical instruments (Class 28)
• Sheet music and printed materials (Class 16)