Class 45 under the Nice Classification covers legal, security, personal, and social services.

Scope

Class 45 includes services related to law, order, safety, and personal or social welfare.

Services covered under this class generally include:

• Legal services and representation
• Security services and surveillance
• Personal and social services
• Dating and social introduction services
• Funeral and cremation services
• Copyright and intellectual property management
• Guard and patrol services
• Firearm licensing and dispute resolution

Classification principle: If the service involves law, personal protection, social welfare, or public safety, it generally falls within Class 45.

Key Updates – Nice Classification (2026 Update)

As per the Nice Classification updates 2026, the following clarifications are particularly relevant to Class 45:

• Clearer separation between:
  • Legal and security services (Class 45), and
  • Business consultancy (Class 35)
• Refined terminology to reduce overlap with:
  • Cybersecurity technology services (Class 42)
  • Financial services (Class 36)

Online legal consultation, digital identity protection, and cyber-fraud investigation services are now more clearly classified in Class 45 when the legal or protective function dominates.

Practical takeaway: Providers should emphasize the legal, protective, or personal-service nature rather than the technology used to deliver it.

Services NOT Included in Class 45 (But Commonly Confused)

The following services are excluded from Class 45, despite frequent misclassification:

• General business consultancy (Class 35)
• Financial and insurance services (Class 36)
• Scientific and IT security services (Class 42)
• Detective equipment as goods (Class 9)