What Is a Trademark Class?

The world of trademark registration can be confusing — but don't fret! In this article (and in our many other "trademark guides"), I'll be taking you through precisely what a trademark class is, the different classes available, and how this applies to your trademark application process.

Let's begin helping you choose the right trademark:

Choosing the right trademark class

When applying for a trademark, you must select a trademark class (or several classes) that represents what your trademark is protecting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) adopts the international classes for trademarks, known as the Nice Classification.

Remember: You'll have to pay for each class of goods and services in your trademark application. 

It's also important to note that you can't just select every class you think you may need. You'll have to prove use in commerce for each classification you select.

What do trademark classes cost?

Each trademark class you register for costs either $ 250 or $ 350.

This depends on whether you choose TEAS Plus or TEAS Standard.

TEAS Plus is cheaper but doesn’t allow for custom descriptions. And sometimes, you may need to include custom descriptions, particularly if your goods or services don't fit neatly into any of the classes.

In the case of uncertainty, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney, who can advise you on the best way to proceed with your application.

Trademark classes list

Okay, let's get into the technical side of it, the trademark classification system.

Whether you're looking to register an international class or just register your trademark nationally:

Take a quick look at these international trademark classes and see if you can find the appropriate class for your business:

Goods (Classes 1-34)

1. Chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, horticulture, and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire-extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.
2. Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers, and artists.
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.
4. Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting, and binding compositions; fuels and illuminants; candles and wicks for lighting.
5. Pharmaceuticals, medical and veterinary preparations; sanitary preparations for medical purposes; dietetic food and substances adapted for medical or veterinary use, food for babies; dietary supplements for humans and animals; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides.
6. Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; ironmongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; goods of common metal not included in other classes; ores.
7. Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs; automatic vending machines.
8. Hand tools and implements (hand-operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.
9. Scientific, nautical, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment, computers; fire-extinguishing apparatus.
10. Surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary apparatus and instruments
11. Artificial limbs, eyes, and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.
12. Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary purposes.
13. Vehicles: apparatus for locomotion by land, air, or water.
14. Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.
15. Precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, not included in other classes: jewelry, precious stones, horological and chronometric instruments.
16. Musical instruments.
17. Paper, cardboard, and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists' materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); printers' type; printing blocks.
18. Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica, and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping, and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal.
19. Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides, trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas, parasols, and walking sticks; whips, harness, and saddlery.
20. Building materials (non-metallic); non-metallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch, and bitumen; non-metallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal.
21. Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.
22. Household or kitchen utensils and containers; combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steelwool; unworked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes.
23. Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks and bags (not included in other classes); padding and stuffing materials (except of rubber or plastics); raw fibrous textile materials.
24. Yarns and threads for textile use.
25. Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed and table covers.
26. Clothing, footwear, headgear.
27. Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.
28. Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum, and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).
29. Games and playthings; gymnastics and sporting articles not included in other classes; decorations for Christmas trees.
30. Meat, fish, poultry, and game; meat extracts; preserved, frozen, dried, and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, compotes; eggs, milk, and milk products; edible oils and fats.
31. Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.
32. Agricultural, horticultural, and forestry products and grains not included in other classes; live animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, natural plants, and flowers; foodstuffs for animals; malt.
33. Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other non-alcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.
34. Alcoholic beverages (except beers).
35. Tobacco; smokers' articles; matches.

Services (Classes 35-45)

1. Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.
2. Insurance, financial affairs, monetary affairs, and real estate affairs.
3. Building construction, repair, and installation services.
4. Telecommunications.
5. Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.
6. Treatment of materials.
7. Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.
8. Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software.
9. Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodation.
10. Medical services; veterinary services; hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture, and forestry services.
11. Legal services; security services for the protection of property and individuals; personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals.

Is it time to hire a trademark attorney?

As I mentioned earlier, it's usually better to err on the side of caution when you're unsure.

A failed trademark application could force you to restart the process again.

And it's regrettably easy to do, such as if you're trying to register for the wrong class or not conducting a thorough enough search of existing trademarks.

This means you'll have to pay the fees all over again…

(And trademark applications can take anywhere from 12 to 18 months!)

Consult with a trademark attorney who has done it all before and can ensure successfully registered trademarks and the protection of your business.

Ready to begin? Start the registration process.