trademarks

Key Takeaways

Trademark classes group goods and services for legal protection.
You must choose the right class based on your business offer.
There are 45 total classes with 34 for goods and 11 for services.
The USPTO follows a global system called the Nice Classification.
You must apply in each country of operation.
The wrong class on a trademark application can lead to delays or limited protection.
A proper trademark search and correct class choice can help avoid legal disputes.

As a small business owner, if you’re like most, you probably tend to do a lot of the heavy lifting on your own. Along with your business licensing, registration, logo design, website, marketing and advertising, you may also need to protect your intellectual property. In this case, trademarks and trademark classes can come into play.

If you have no experience with trademarks, this can seem pretty overwhelming. Here, demystify trademark classes and everything that comes with them.

This is what’s in store:

What are Trademark Classes?
What are the 7 Types of Trademarks?
How to Choose a Trademark Class
How to Trademark a Name or Logo
- How Much Does it Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

Now, let’s get to know the system!

What are Trademark Classes?

Trademark classes group similar types of products and services into categories. When you register a trademark, you must choose the class (or classes) that match what your business sells or offers.

These classes are part of a global system used to keep things organized and avoid confusion. In the United States, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) manages this system. It applies to anyone who wants to trademark a name, logo, slogan, or design—whether you’re running a small business, launching a product, or building a brand.

Choosing the right class matters because your trademark protection only applies to the categories you select. If someone else uses the same name in a totally different class, it might not count as infringement. For example, a clothing brand and a tech company might legally share the same name if they’re in different classes.

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How Many Trademark Classes Are There?

There are 45 USPTO trademark classes in total—34 for goods and 11 for services. Each class covers a specific category of products or services, like clothing, software, or business consulting. These classes help organize trademarks and make sure each one is protected in the right industry.

When you apply for a trademark, you must choose the class or classes that match what your business offers. This system is used by the USPTO and is based on an international classification standard called the Nice Agreement.

What are the 45 Classes of Trademarks?

Here’s a complete list of the 45 trademark classes, split into goods and services. Each one groups similar types of products or services to help define where your trademark protection applies.

Goods (Classes 1–34) include:

Class 1 – Chemicals used in industry and science
Class 2 – Paints, varnishes, and coatings
Class 3 – Cleaning, cosmetic, and personal care products
Class 4 – Fuels, oils, and lubricants
Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals and other medical products
Class 6 – Common metals and metal products
Class 7 – Machines and machine tools
Class 8 – Hand tools and implements
Class 9 – Electronics, software, and scientific devices
Class 10 – Medical and surgical devices
Class 11 – Appliances for heating, cooling, lighting, and plumbing
Class 12 – Vehicles and vehicle parts
Class 13 – Firearms and ammunition
Class 14 – Jewelry, watches, and precious metals
Class 15 – Musical instruments
Class 16 – Paper goods, stationery, and printed materials
Class 17 – Rubber and plastic products
Class 18 – Leather goods, bags, and luggage
Class 19 – Non-metal building materials
Class 20 – Furniture and home furnishings
Class 21 – Household goods, cookware, and glassware
Class 22 – Ropes, nets, tents, and other non-textile fibers
Class 23 – Yarns and threads for textile use
Class 24 – Textiles and bedding
Class 25 – Clothing, footwear, and headwear
Class 26 – Lace, ribbons, buttons, and decorative sewing items
Class 27 – Carpets, rugs, and other floor coverings
Class 28 – Toys, games, and sporting goods
Class 29 – Processed foods like meats and dairy
Class 30 – Baked goods, seasonings, and other staple foods
Class 31 – Raw and natural agricultural products
Class 32 – Non-alcoholic drinks and beverages
Class 33 – Alcoholic beverages (except beer)
Class 34 – Tobacco products and smoking accessories

Services (Classes 35–45) include:

Class 35 – Business management, advertising, and retail services
Class 36 – Financial and insurance services
Class 37 – Construction, maintenance, and repair services
Class 38 – Telecommunications and digital communication
Class 39 – Transport, shipping, and storage services
Class 40 – Material treatment services (custom manufacturing, recycling)
Class 41 – Education, training, and entertainment services
Class 42 – Scientific, tech, and software services
Class 43 – Hospitality services like food, drink, and lodging
Class 44 – Medical, beauty, and agriculture services
Class 45 – Legal, security, and social services

These descriptions are simplified to keep things clear, but the official USPTO and WIPO versions go into more detail and use legal terms. For example, Class 9 includes electronics and software, but also things like scientific instruments and data processing tools. Class 33 covers alcoholic drinks, except beer, which is in Class 32.

Class 35, one of the most common, covers everything from marketing to staffing to online stores. If you’re planning to register a trademark, it’s a good idea to double-check the official Trademark ID Manual or talk to a trademark attorney to make sure you’re covered.

What About International Trademark Classes?

International trademark classes follow the same system used in the U.S. it’s called the Nice Classification, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Over 150 countries use it, so if you plan to do business globally, your trademark classes will likely stay the same across borders.

But even though the class numbers are the same, how each country reviews and approves trademarks can vary. Some countries are stricter about conflicts or may interpret your goods or services differently. So if you want international protection, you’ll still need to apply in each country or use a system like the Madrid Protocol to file in multiple places at once.

While the classes are the same, registration is NOT automatic. You still have to apply country by country (or region by region) to get full coverage.

What are the 7 Types of Trademarks?

There are seven different types of intellectual property you can protect with a trademark.

These types of trademarks include:

Word marks (just text)
Design marks (logos or stylized text)
Sound marks
Slogans
Trade dress (product packaging or appearance)
Collective marks
Certification marks

Each of these types can be registered under one or more of the trademark classes, depending on what the mark is used for.

Trademark classes describe what you offer (goods or services), and trademark types describe what you’re protecting (like a name, logo, or slogan). If you’ve heard someone mention “seven types of trademark classes,” they might be referring to types of trademarks rather than classes.

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How to Choose a Trademark Class

To choose the right trademark class, start by listing exactly what your business sells or offers. Focus on what you’re using the trademark for now, not what you might do in the future.

Then, look up your product or service in the USPTO ID Manual. This tool can help match your offering with the correct class. f your business covers more than one type of product or service, you may need to register in more than one class.

Picking the wrong class can delay your application or leave your trademark unprotected. When in doubt, a trademark attorney can help you narrow it down and avoid mistakes.

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How to Trademark a Name or Logo

Trademarking your name or logo helps protect your brand and gives you legal rights if someone else tries to use something similar. You’ll apply through the USPTO using their online system. But, before you file, it’s important to do a proper search to avoid conflicts.

Note: Letting a professional handle your trademark application can save time and prevent costly mistakes. They know how to pick the right class, avoid conflicts, and file everything correctly, so you may be more likely to get approved and fully protect your brand.

Here’s how to trademark a name:

Go to the USPTO’s trademark search page and search existing trademarks under the “General Search.” Check for names that sound or look similar, especially in your industry.
Choose the trademark class(es) that fits what you offer. You can use the USPTO ID Manual to help with this.
File your application through Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS). You’ll need to describe how you use the name and upload a sample (called a specimen), like a screenshot of your website or a product label.

And, here’s how to trademark a logo:

Search existing logo marks – Use the trademark search again, but this time select Wordmark and/or Mark Description search (Structured) and search by Mark Description (e.g., “leaf inside circle” or “letter M in stylized font”). This helps find logos that may look like yours.
Use the ID Manual to choose the most fitting class(es).
File your application through TEAS. Upload a clear image of your logo and explain how you use it. For example, on your website, product packaging, or marketing materials.

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How Much Does it Cost to Trademark a Name or Logo?

Trademarking your name or logo through the USPTO typically starts at $350 per class of goods or services (not including legal fees). This is the standard fee when using the online application system and selecting a description from the USPTO’s ID Manual.

If you use a custom description or exceed 1,000 characters in that field, extra fees apply:

$200 per class for the custom text box; and
Another $200 for each additional 1,000 characters

If you’re filing based on intent to use the mark in the future, there are additional steps and costs, like a $150 fee to file an Amendment to Allege Use or $125 for a six-month extension.

After your trademark is registered, maintenance filings are required:

$325 per class between the fifth and sixth year; and
$650 per class every 10 years after registration

While it’s possible to file on your own, mistakes can lead to extra costs or delays. Hiring a professional may cost more upfront, but it can help make sure your trademark application is accurate and complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the classes of a trademark?

Trademark classes group similar goods and services into categories. There are 45 total classes: 34 for products and 11 for services. You must pick the class (or classes) that match what your business offers when you apply.

What is Class 42 classification?

Class 42 covers scientific and technical services. This includes things like software development, IT consulting, engineering, and research. If you offer tech or digital services, this is likely the class you’ll need.

What is the strongest trademark classification?

The strongest trademarks are fanciful or arbitrary marks—completely made-up words (like “Kodak”) or real words used in an unrelated way (like “Apple” for computers). These offer the most legal protection and are easier to enforce.

What is the difference between C and R trademark?

There is no official “C” symbol for trademarks. However, © stands for copyright. ® is the symbol for a registered trademark with the USPTO. Meanwhile, ™ is used for unregistered trademarks you’re claiming as your own.

How long does a TM last?

A trademark can last indefinitely, as long as you keep using it and file the required renewals. In the U.S., you must file maintenance documents between years 5–6, at year 10, and every 10 years after that.

Final Thoughts

Understanding trademark classes is a key part of protecting your brand. Whether you’re just starting out or want to grow an established business, knowing how classes work (and how to choose the right one) can help you avoid legal trouble and lock in your rights.

While it may seem complicated at first, taking the time to research or get help with the process can save you money, time, and stress in the long run. If your business name, logo, or slogan matters to your identity, then registering the right trademark in the right class can be a smart step in the right direction.

Note: Even if your state approved your business name, it’s smart to run a quick trademark search. State databases don’t always catch names that are federally or internationally trademarked. A trademark search can help you make sure your name or logo isn’t already taken in your industry. If it is, you might need to change it to avoid a trademark dispute.

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Trademark Classes 101: A Business Owner’s Complete Guide