Financial research 036-28

07-14-2011 Scientific research and research services directly related to tangible items, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or new products, are classified in 42 because those research activities generally involve the science-based testing and analysis of the physical properties of the item. On the other hand, research services relating to an intangible subject matter are classified according to the nature of the intangible. For example, business research, research related to financial instruments, and legal research are classified in Classes 35, 36, and 45 respectively. 01-01-2022 - Pursuant to Nice 11-2022, the classification policy regarding research related to tangible items and intangible subject matter referenced in the prior Note of 07-14-2011 is no longer in effect. Services are in principle classified according to the branches of activities specified in the Nice Class Headings and Explanatory Notes of the service classes, or, if not specified, by analogy with other comparable services in the Nice Alphabetical List. See TMEP §1402.11(e). Most research services are classified in Class 42 based on the wording "Scientific and technological services and research…relating thereto" and "industrial research" in the Nice Class 42 Heading. Research services in classes other than Class 42 are classified by analogy with comparable research services in Classes 35, 36, 41, and 45 in the Nice Alphabetical List. In particular, "Business research" and "Marketing research" are classified in Class 35, "Financial research" is classified in Class 36, "Research in the field of education" is classified in Class 41, and "Genealogical research" and "Legal research" are classified in Class 45. Please consult the ID Manual regarding classification of specific identifications for research services.