What Is a Trademark Class?

You have to do more than simply highlight a logo or phrase for trademark status. When you file a trademark application, you must include a description of the goods and services that your trademark will protect. To help with this, trademark offices use a system of standard trademark “classes.”

Choosing the wrong class could lead to USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) rejection or even legal problems later. The USPTO follows the Nice Classification, which includes 45 standardized classes (Classes 1–34 for goods, Classes 35–45 for services).

To better understand and properly register your trademark, here’s how trademark classes work and why they matter.

Explaining Trademark Classes 

A trademark class identifies what your trademark protects—whether it’s clothing, software, cosmetics, educational services, or countless other categories. When you file with the USPTO, you must select one or more classes that match how the mark is used in commerce.

For example, the jewelry brand Pandora and the streaming service Pandora Radio coexist because they operate in different trademark classes, and consumers won’t confuse their products.

Before filing, you should search the USPTO database and identify the class(es) that accurately describe your goods/services. Misclassification can lead to application issues or leave areas of your business unprotected.

What Happens if You Choose the Wrong Trademark Class?

Choosing the wrong class can cause USPTO rejection, forcing you to fix your application or refile entirely. This costs time, money, and—worst of all—can leave your brand unprotected.

Examples of risks include:

• Refiling fees for the correct class
• Delays in approval
• Weakened protection, making it easier for others to infringe
• Legal disputes, if your trademark fails to cover your actual goods/services

Getting the right classification is crucial to the strength of your trademark.

Can You Register the Same Name and Logo as Another Company in a Different Class?

In many cases, yes—two companies can have the same name as long as they operate in different industries and do not cause consumer confusion.

Consider these examples:

• Louis Vuitton vs. Louis Vuiton Dak: The similar-sounding handbag seller was shut down due to the likelihood of confusion.
• Delta Airlines and Delta Faucets both use “Delta” because their industries are unrelated.

The rule is simple: If consumers wouldn’t confuse the companies, similar names can coexist.

What Are the Trademark Classes?

Trademark classes are divided into two main categories:

• Classes 1–34: Goods
• Classes 35–45: Services

Below is the complete breakdown of all 45 trademark classes, based on the Nice Classification system.

Class 1 — Chemical

This class applies to the chemicals used in several industries, including agriculture, science, and photography. It can also apply to specific chemical uses, such as adhesives and food preservatives.

Examples: adhesives, fertilizers, and industrial solvents.

Class 2 — Paint

Applies to a range of painting goods, including paints, lacquers, and varnishes. Suppose your identifiers apply to people who work in an industry that requires painting materials. In that case, your trademarks must include this class.

Examples: coatings, colorants, anti-corrosion products.

Class 3 — Cosmetics and Cleaning

A wide-ranging category that covers personal cosmetics, domestic cleaning, and commercial cleaning products. Any logos or phrases related to soaps, detergents, polishing, hair lotions, or similar products fit into this class.

Examples: makeup, soaps, detergents.

Class 4 — Lubricant and Fuel

As the name implies, this trademark class covers fuel and lubricants. It also covers oils and greases used for industrial purposes and fuel products used for candles.

Examples: candles, grease, petroleum.

Class 5 — Pharmaceutical

Most goods that apply to the veterinary and pharmaceutical industries fall into this class. Similar products, such as dental wax, baby food, and pest or plant control products, also fit here.

Examples: vitamins, disinfectants, medicines.

Class 6 — Metal

All common metals and any alloys related to them fit here. This class also covers many common uses for metals, barring goods made using metal that belong in other classes.

Examples: locks, metal pipes, safes.

Class 7 — Machinery

Engines, motors, and the various components used in each belong in this class. Machinery also covers things like mechanical agricultural tools.

Examples: motors, pumps, industrial machines.

Class 8 — Hand Tools

Cutlery, razors, and other hand-operated tools slot into this trademark class.

Examples: knives, screwdrivers, razors.

Class 9 — Computer and Software Products, Electrical, and Scientific

One of the broader classes takes in a large number of products that have scientific or computer-based uses. This includes, but is not limited to, cash registers, nautical equipment, signaling products, magnetic data carriers, CDs, mp3 files, and sunglasses.

Examples: apps, cameras, headphones.

Class 10 — Medical Instruments

If a healthcare product does not belong in the pharmaceutical class, it likely belongs here. This class covers the instruments that doctors and vets use in their work. It also covers things like artificial limbs.

Examples: surgical tools, diagnostic devices.

Class 11 — Environmental Control Instruments

Any product that helps control heat, lighting, cooking, and cooling will usually fit here.

Examples: air conditioners, lights, plumbing fixtures.

Class 12 — Vehicles

Any vehicles and their apparatus slot into this class. It applies to vehicles operated on land, water, and air.

Examples: cars, bicycles, boats.

Class 13 — Firearms

Beyond firearms, this class also includes explosives, ammo, and fireworks.

Examples: guns, ammunition.

Class 14 — Jewelry

Precious metals and stones, including the products they’re turned into, can fit here. Instruments that use precious metals or stones, such as timepieces, may also need this classification.

Examples: bracelets, watches.

Class 15 — Musical Instruments

Any musical instrument goes into this trademark class.

Examples: pianos, guitars.

Class 16 — Paper and Printed Materials

Physical materials, such as cardboard, card, and paper, enter this class. It also includes stationery, printing materials, and a host of similar products that aid in the printing industry.

Examples: books, magazines, notebooks.

Class 17 — Rubber

Beyond basic rubber products, this class includes products made using gum, gutta-percha, and asbestos. Extruded plastic products may also fit this category.

Examples: insulation, hoses, plastic sheets.

Class 18 — Leather

Interestingly, this class includes almost all leather or leather-imitation products except for clothing. Hides, umbrellas, whips, and traveling bags fit here, among other items.

Examples: bags, wallets, belts.

Class 19 — Non-Metallic Building Materials

If it’s used in building and doesn’t contain metal, it likely fits this trademark class. Examples include pitch, asphalt, and bitumen.

Examples: wood, bricks, cement.

Class 20 — Furniture

Anything you may use to decorate a home, including the materials used to create the décor, likely fits this category.

Examples: beds, chairs, shelves.

Class 21 — Houseware and Glass

General houseware, including kitchen utensils, combs, and brushes, fits this class. Most glass products, except mirrors and the glass used for windows, go into this class.

Examples: dishes, cookware, combs.

Class 22 — Ropes, Cordage, and Fiber

Beyond the products in the class’s name, this also covers tents, sails, sacks, and other products that use ropes or cords.

Examples: nets, tents, twine.

Class 23 — Yarn and Thread

Any threads or yarns needed for textile use go here.

Examples: sewing thread, embroidery yarn.

Class 24 — Fabrics and Textiles

Any completed textile products that don’t have another class applied to them can go here, i.e., tablecloths and bedding.

Examples: sheets, curtains, cloth.

Class 25 — Clothing and Apparel

In addition to clothes, this class also includes headgear and footwear.

Examples: shirts, pants, hats.

Class 26 — Lace, Embroidery, Ribbons, and Fancy

This class covers everything in the name and products made using these “fancy” materials. Artificial flowers are an excellent example of a product that fits this trademark class.

Examples: buttons, zippers, ribbons.

Class 27 — Floor Covering

Linoleum, rugs, carpets, and other materials used as a floor coverings will likely go here.

Examples: rugs, carpets.

Class 28 — Toys and Sporting Goods

Any playthings and games go here, though this may not include items that require electrical components, such as video game consoles. This class also covers articles used for sports and gymnastics.

Examples: board games, balls, exercise gear.

Class 29 — Meat and Processed Foods

This trademark class applies to meat directly, along with many products derived from the animals used to make meat. For example, eggs and milk also apply to this class.

Examples: meats, fish, dairy products.

Class 30 — Staple Foods

If your product is a staple of the American diet, it will fit here. There are many examples, including bread, pasta, coffee, and sauces.

Examples: bread, pasta, spices.

Class 31 — Natural Agricultural

This class covers seeds, livestock, vegetables, fruits, and many other natural products required for agriculture.

Examples: fruit, vegetables, flowers.

Class 32 — Light Beverage

All nonalcoholic drinks, including water, fit into this class. It also covers beers and any preparations used to make beverages.

Examples: sodas, juices, energy drinks.

Class 33 — Wines and Spirits

If it’s an alcoholic beverage that isn’t beer, it will go into this trademark class.

Examples: liquor, wine, champagne.

Class 34 — Smoker’s Products

Matches, lighters, tobacco, and other products that smokers use fit this class.

Examples: cigars, lighters.

Classes 35–45: Service Trademark Classes

Class 35 — Advertising, Business, and Retail

Any services related to the above industries go here. Examples include office functions and services related to business administration.

Examples: marketing agencies, online retail.

Class 36 — Insurance and Financial

This trademark class belongs to anything to do with monetary, real estate, or insurance affairs.

Examples: banking, investment, insurance.

Class 37 — Construction and Repair

Repair, installation, and construction services fit this class.

Examples: plumbing, building, roofing.

Class 38 — Communication

Services that allow people to communicate by any sensory means, such as vision or voice, go here.

Examples: phone services, streaming platforms.

Class 39 — Transportation and Storage

Beyond transport, this class covers travel arrangement services and logistical services for goods.

Examples: shipping, logistics, storage.

Class 40 — Material Treatment and Processing

This covers any services required to treat materials used for goods and products.

Examples: printing, metalworking, recycling.

Class 41 — Education and Entertainment

Examples of services that fit this class include materials required for delivering education and most entertainment services.

Examples: classes, events, concerts.

Class 42 — Computer, Software, and Scientific Services

Any services required for scientific research go here, as do services related to creating computer software and hardware.

Examples: software development, web hosting.

Class 43 — Restaurant and Hotel

In addition to services required to provide drinks and food, this trademark class covers most services related to temporary accommodations.

Examples: restaurants, hotels, catering.

Class 44 — Medical, Beauty, and Agricultural Services

As the name implies, this class relates to any services required for the medical, beauty, and agricultural sectors. It also applies to forestry and horticulture services.

Examples: clinics, spas, and veterinary services.

Class 45 — Personal, Legal, and Social

Any legal, personal, or social services used to help individuals fit into this class, as well as security services for individuals and property.

Examples: law firms, dating services, security firms.

The Right Trademark Class Is Crucial

Your registration depends on choosing the correct trademark class. Even if your brand name is available, misclassifying it may lead to:

• USPTO rejection

• Legal disputes
• Incomplete brand protection
• Loss of time and money

Selecting the right class ensures your trademark protects the products or services you offer today and plan to offer in the future.

Selecting the wrong trademark class could lead to the dismissal of your registration. Worse yet, an incorrectly classified but accepted trademark could create the possibility of legal action being taken against you.

Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, choosing the right trademark class is your first line of defense in protecting your brand from copycats and legal headaches. Getting it right not only saves you money and time but also locks in the solid protection your business needs to grow without worries. Don’t gamble with your brand’s future take the time to pick the right class or classes, and if it feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to get expert help.

Ready to secure your brand the smart way? Check out Trademark Engine expert services to guide your trademark registration every step of the way and get your brand locked down right.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Trademark Classes?

Categories under Nice Classification to sort goods/services for USPTO registration—45 total.

Can I register a trademark in multiple classes?

Yes, you can file in as many classes as your goods and services legitimately cover, but each class requires a separate government fee.

What happens if I choose the wrong trademark class?

If you pick the wrong class, your application can be refused, and even a registered mark may give weak or no protection in your actual line of business.

How many trademark categories are there?

There are 45 trademark classes in total—34 for physical goods and 11 for services.

What is the difference between Class 25 and Class 35?

Class 25 is for clothing, footwear, and headwear, while Class 35 covers advertising, marketing, and retail or business services.