Trademark classes help categorize trademarks. Accordingly, each trademark registration fits into at least one trademark class. When registering a trademark, take time to ensure you understand the right trademark class for your trademark so that you can avoid delays. This article explains what a trademark class does.
Trademark classes organize trademarks.
Trademark Classes Defined
Every registered trademark fits into one or more trademark classes. There are 45 “Nice trademark classes” (named after the city of Nice, France) that cover pretty much every good or service imaginable. For example:
- CLASS 3 (Cosmetics and cleaning preparations) Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.
- CLASS 8 (Hand tools) Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.
- CLASS 15 (Musical Instruments) Musical instruments.
- CLASS 35 (Advertising and business) Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.
- CLASS 41 (Education and entertainment) Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.
Go here for a complete list of the trademark classes. You can also find a more in-depth description of these classes on the United States Patent & Trademark Office website.
Do Trademark Classes Matter?
If you wish to register your trademark, then trademark classes matter. The key to using trademark classes effectively comes from understanding that each mark that you register will be associated with one or more categories. Also, the United States Patent and Trademark Office charges a separate fee for each class for which you file a trademark application.
For instance, you might have a company that produces handbags, clothing, and a podcast, and you want to protect your trademark in each category. That would be three trademark classes and three trademark fees. The key: each trademark application will only cover specified classes – trademark registrations do not cover everything. So, you must pick.
If you have questions about how to categorize your trademarks, or if it makes sense to file in a particular class, you can probably talk to a trademark attorney.
Finally, you must include a trademark specimen for each class that you file.
