What Are International Classifications for Trademarks?

With your trademark application, you may be expected to petition for your mark to be registered under a specific trademark class. Of note, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recognize a certain trademark classification system to group similar marks together. This system is commonly referred to as the international classification or nice classification of goods and services. Continue reading to learn the different international classifications and how an experienced New Jersey trademark lawyer at The Ingber Law Firm can help you select the most suitable one for your mark.

What are the different international classifications for trademarks?

The international classification for trademarks is written out as an alphabetical list that gives general indications of the primary field to which a good or service may belong. Without further ado, this alphabetical list of 45 classifications reads as follows:

Class 1: Chemicals.
Class 2: Paints.
Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Products.
Class 4: Industrial Oils, Illuminants, and Fuels.
Class 5: Pharmaceuticals.
Class 6: Common Metals.
Class 7: Machinery.
Class 8: Hand Tools.
Class 9: Computer, Electrical, and Scientific Products.
Class 10: Medical Instruments.
Class 11: Environmental Control Instruments.
Class 12: Vehicles and Locomotives.
Class 13: Firearms.
Class 14: Precious Metals.
Class 15: Musical Instruments.
Class 16: Paper Goods and Printed Materials.
Class 17: Insulating Materials.
Class 18: Leather Products.
Class 19: Non-metallic Construction Materials.
Class 20: Furniture.
Class 21: Houseware and Glass Products.
Class 22: Ropes, Cordage, and Fibers.
Class 23: Yarns and Threads.
Class 24: Textiles.
Class 25: Clothing.
Class 26: Costume Articles.
Class 27: Floor Coverings.
Class 28: Toys, Sporting Goods, and Ornaments.
Class 29: Meats and Processed Foods.
Class 30: Staple Foods.
Class 31: Raw and Agricultural Products.
Class 32: Light Beverages.
Class 33: Wines and Spirits.
Class 34: Tobacco and Smoker’s Products.
Class 35: Advertising and Business Services.
Class 36: Financial, Insurance, and Real Estate Services.
Class 37: Construction Services.
Class 38: Telecommunication Services.
Class 39: Transportation and Storage Services.
Class 40: Mechanical or Chemical Processing Services.
Class 41: Education, Entertainment, and Cultural Services.
Class 42: Scientific and Computer Software Services.
Class 43: Restaurant and Hotel Services.
Class 44: Medical, Cosmetic, and Agricultural Services.
Class 45: Personal, Social, and Legal Services.

Why is choosing the right classification important?

It is worth mentioning that your associating your trademark to a certain international classification must comply with the USPTO’s established policy. This is because, if the USPTO finds your association incorrect or incomplete, it may reject your application altogether. Further, if you believe your trademark falls under more than one classification, you must petition for your mark to be registered under each acceptable class.

Essentially, choosing the right classification is important because it may set up your trademark’s scope of protection. In other words, it may bar other parties in the same class from using a mark that is identical or confusingly similar to yours.

When in doubt, someone at The Ingber Law Firm will look into your case. So please retain the legal services of a skilled Essex County, New Jersey intellectual property lawyer today.