NICE Class 42 covers scientific and technological services, software development and IT, industrial design, and research and design services. It is the tech-services class — and central to Nepal's fast-growing IT and software-outsourcing industry. You register a Class 42 trademark with the Department of Industry, and it protects your service brand. The key line every tech founder must know: the downloadable app is Class 9, but developing software and software-as-a-service are Class 42.
Key Takeaways
- Class 42 is the IT and software-services class — software development, SaaS/PaaS, IT support, and scientific and design services.
- A downloadable app is Class 9; developing it, hosting it and offering it as a service (SaaS) is Class 42.
- It includes web design and hosting, computer security, AI and cloud services, and architecture and industrial design.
- It excludes hardware installation and repair (Class 37), computerized file management (Class 35), and medical or legal services (Classes 44, 45).
- Nepal's IT and software companies, SaaS startups, web agencies and R&D firms file in Class 42.
- Register with the Department of Industry for a renewable 7-year term.
What does Trademark Class 42 cover?
Class 42 covers scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis, research and design; quality control and authentication; and design and development of computer hardware and software. The unifying idea is expert technical, scientific and design services — building and hosting software, IT and cybersecurity, scientific research and testing, and design from architecture to graphics. It is defined against the downloadable product (Class 9) and hardware repair (Class 37).
Full list of services in Class 42
The complete list of Class 42 service indications (WIPO NICE 13-2026):
- Software & cloud: computer programming; computer software design; software development in the framework of software publishing; software engineering services for data processing; writing of computer code; computer programming of smart contracts on a blockchain; installation, maintenance, updating, rental and duplication of computer software; software as a service [SaaS]; platform as a service [PaaS]; blockchain as a service [BaaS]; artificial intelligence as a service [AIaaS]; providing online non-downloadable computer software; providing online non-downloadable software for minting NFTs; development of computer platforms; development of video and computer games; conversion of computer programs and data; recovery of computer data; off-site data backup; electronic data storage; electronic storage of cryptocurrency; providing virtual computer systems through cloud computing; hosting computer websites, virtual environments and software platforms; server and web-server hosting; rental of web servers, computer software and data centre facilities; quantum computing.
- IT support & security: computer system analysis and design; computer technology and software consultancy; consultancy in the design and development of computer hardware; IT support services [troubleshooting]; monitoring of computer systems (for breakdowns, unauthorized access, remote operation); computer security and internet security consultancy; data security and encryption services; data security consultancy; computer virus protection services; user authentication services (blockchain, single sign-on, e-commerce); digital forensic investigations; electronic monitoring to detect fraud or identity theft; unlocking of mobile telephones; cryptocurrency mining.
- Websites & digital: creating and maintaining websites for others; creating website-based indexes; website design consultancy; providing search engines for the internet; digitization of documents and photographs [scanning]; providing online geographic maps, not downloadable; providing geographic and meteorological information; hosting virtual reality-based work collaboration platforms.
- Scientific & industrial research: scientific and technological research; scientific laboratory services; biological, chemical, cosmetic, mechanical, medical, veterinary and geological research; research in AI, physics, genetics, welding, building construction, telecommunications; clinical trials; culturing of cells for research; research and development of new products for others; material testing; textile and water testing; chemical and water analysis; calibration; quality control and evaluation (timber, wool); technical project studies.
- Surveying & exploration: land surveying; surveying [engineering]; cartography and geological surveys; geological prospecting, research and test drilling; oil, gas and mining exploration; oil prospecting and oil-well testing; underwater exploration; geotechnical investigations; cloud seeding; weather forecasting.
- Design: industrial design; styling [industrial design]; design of prototypes and computer-simulated models; architectural services and consultancy; drafting construction plans; interior design; design of interior decor; graphic arts design; graphic design of promotional materials; logo, business-card and website design; dress designing; packaging design; costume, show-scenery and golf-course design.
- Engineering & other: engineering; technological, technical and energy-saving consultancy; technological consultancy for digital transformation; neuromorphic engineering; energy auditing and building energy-performance testing; authenticating works of art; handwriting analysis; paternity, drug-screening and forensic pathology testing; vehicle roadworthiness and pre-sale inspection; providing scientific advice on carbon offsetting and net-zero emissions.
See the exhaustive alphabetical index (168 entries) on the WIPO Class 42 page.
What Class 42 does not include
| Service | Correct class |
|---|---|
| Business, marketing and financial research; file management | Class 35 |
| Financial evaluation | Class 36 |
| Computer hardware installation, maintenance and repair | Class 37 |
| The downloadable software/app itself | Class 9 |
| Medical and veterinary services; landscape design | Class 44 |
| Legal services | Class 45 |
The rule of thumb: developing, hosting or designing is Class 42, but the downloadable app is Class 9, hardware repair is Class 37, and file management is Class 35.
Who files in Class 42 in Nepal?
Class 42 is central to Nepal's tech economy. It is filed by IT and software companies — software outsourcing is a major and growing Nepali export — SaaS startups, web-design and development agencies, cybersecurity firms, R&D and scientific-testing labs, and architecture and design studios. For a software or IT brand, developing and hosting the software is exactly what Class 42 protects. See protecting a tech startup's brand.
How to register a trademark in Class 42
Search the register for earlier tech marks, confirm Class 42 fits (and that a downloadable app isn't really Class 9), prepare your mark and a precise service specification, and file with the Department of Industry. It examines, publishes for the 90-day opposition window, and registers for a renewable 7-year term. See how to register a trademark in Nepal.
Do you need more than one class?
For tech, almost always. A SaaS brand needs Class 42 for the software service and development, often Class 9 for a downloadable app, and Class 38 or Class 35/36 depending on what the platform does. Because Nepal files one class per application with per-class fees, map your business first. See choosing the right class, the neighbouring Class 41 (Education) and Class 43 (Restaurants & Hotels), and Class 9 (Software & Electronics).
A Nepal example
Take a Nepali software-outsourcing company building custom software and a SaaS product. Its software development and SaaS are Class 42, where its brand is registered. But its downloadable app is Class 9, and if the platform provides payments it is Class 36 or advertising Class 35. One software brand can span Class 42 for development and SaaS, and Class 9 for the app — filing only in Class 9 leaves the core service unprotected, and filing only in Class 42 leaves the downloadable product exposed. This Class 9-vs-42 split is the single most important thing for Nepali software founders.
Getting Class 42 right: common mistakes
The defining Class 42 mistake is the product-versus-service line. Developing, hosting and providing software as a service is Class 42, but the downloadable app or program as a product is Class 9. Founders file one and assume they are covered. A second common error is filing hardware repair in Class 42 — repairing or maintaining computer hardware is Class 37, while only software installation and maintenance are Class 42.
A third pitfall is file management versus IT: computerized file management is Class 35, but IT services, hosting and data storage are Class 42. Specify your real services precisely, so your Class 42 registration is clear, and add Class 9, 38 or 36 where your platform genuinely extends there.
Why precise Class 42 filing matters
Software and IT brands scale globally and fast, and Nepal's outsourcing sector competes internationally, so a precise, early registration protects real value — and mapping Class 42 with Class 9 avoids the false comfort of a single filing. Naming your real services — "software development", "software as a service", "IT consultancy" — makes the application easier to register and clearer to enforce. Because Nepal is first-to-file, the date you lodge secures your priority before a competitor or squatter registers your product name. For a software, SaaS or IT brand, an early, precise Class 42 (plus Class 9) filing is foundational.
In short
Class 42 is the IT and software-services class — software development, SaaS, IT support, security, research and design. The line every founder must know: the downloadable app is Class 9, but developing and providing software as a service is Class 42, and hardware repair is Class 37. Get that right, map Class 42 with Class 9, and file early.
Class 42 filing checklist
- Decide: downloadable product (Class 9) or software service/development (Class 42)?
- Check the exclusions — Class 9, 35, 36, 37, 44 or 45.
- Write a precise service specification and search the register.
- Map Class 42 with Class 9 (app) and any 38/35/36 the platform needs.
- File with the Department of Industry and track to registration.
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Register your Class 42 trademark
Protect your software, SaaS or IT brand — the service, plus the app in Class 9. Find your class with the NICE Class Finder, screen with the Conflict Checker, then register your trademark with our team. Talk to an IP expert to map your tech multi-class strategy.
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