Trade mark classes are used to describe what kind of goods or services your mark represents. The choice can affect how well you protect your trademark. It can make or break your product. That is how important a trademark class is.
Key Takeaways
A common practice is to use industry names in a search for a class. One company may be engaged in a variety of categories of goods and services at once. The first step is to identify your own activities.
Trademark classes are based on the Nice Classification. The system consists of 45 international classes, where classes 1-34 deal with goods and classes 35-45 – with services. The latest version is used until 2026.
Trademark classes can surprise you!
Choosing the appropriate classification can make your trademark registration correspond to your activity better. You can get professional assistance from John Rizvi.
What Are Trademark Classes? Have a Look Into It
Trademark classes divide goods and services into 45 groups. Every class is allocated a number between 1 and 45. Goods and services cannot be in the same class. The USPTO recommends its identification tool for classification.
You can view this system as a filing chart where clothes will be in Class 25. Advertising will be in Class 35. Software can fall under Class 9 or Class 42. It is the description of the trademark classes that counts.
List Real Business Activities
Do not start by listing the class that fits your industry. Start by listing the things you do that earn you money.
Make two columns and list the goods on one side while the services on the other.
If it’s a fitness company, the products could be clothes while the services could be online training. If it’s a restaurant, it could have services which include provision of food services and goods such as packaged foods.
Search Official Classification Database
Consult the USPTO classification database in case you file a registration in the United States. Look for the actual product or service, not the industry.
In case you distribute applications in electronic form, look for the software activity in the list. Read the descriptions.
The Nice Classification is available from the World Intellectual Property Organization as well. You will find an alphabetical list with comments there.
List of Trademark Classes For Your Ease
The following is a list of trademark categories under the current international system.
| Classes | General category |
| 1 to 5 | Chemicals, paints, cosmetics, fuels, pharmaceuticals |
| 6 to 10 | Metal goods, machinery, tools, scientific goods, medical apparatus |
| 11 to 15 | Environmental equipment, vehicles, firearms, jewelry, instruments |
| 16 to 20 | Paper goods, rubber, building materials, furniture, leather goods |
| 21 to 25 | Housewares, cordage, yarns, fabrics, clothing |
| 26 to 30 | Fancy goods, floor coverings, toys, processed foods, staple foods |
| 31 to 34 | Agricultural goods, beverages, wines, smokers goods |
| 35 to 39 | Business, finance, construction, telecommunications, transportation |
| 40 to 45 | Material treatment, education, technology, hospitality, medical, legal |
Follow directions from the table. Official descriptions prevail.
Related Goods and Services Search
Look for related terms once you have identified your possible class. Similar activities can fall into different categories.
The provision of a good and a service associated with the good could require individual analysis. It will assist you to see if there are other activities that you had not considered.
Expert Tip
“Make a list of your goods and services before doing any search. You should never try to fit your business in any category.”
Kevin Noonan
Trademark Law Specialist
Review Class before Filings
- Compare your selected trademark classes with the official heading.
- Review the explanatory notes and identification entries.
- Ensure that your description accurately describes what you offer.
- Be clear and avoid ambiguities.
- Do not list goods and services which you do not offer.
Fees at USPTO are charged per class. Extra classes cost you extra.
Is a Multiple Trademark Classes Application Possible?
Yes. You can apply in multiple classes through one trademark application if your goods or services warrant it. A multiple trademark classes application is sensible in distinct categories.
Your Product Needs Trademark Classes!
If you think that you need professional assistance regarding classification, John Rizvi can help you relate your business activities to the correct filing strategy.
Conclusion
Concentrate on goods and services. That makes it easy to learn how to classify the class in trademark applications. Consider your business activities. Search for official sources. Study the descriptions. Look through related classes. Make sure that the chosen classes are correct. The trademark classification system of international classes presents a useful way to classify your business. The right trademark classes make registration more effective.