List of Trademark Classes: A Guide to All 45 Categories
If you’re considering protecting your brand through federal trademark registration, understanding trademark classes is an important part of the process. While trademark registration offers significant benefits for business owners, including stronger legal protection and enforcement rights, those benefits depend largely on filing under the correct class (or classes) to ensure that your brand is adequately protected. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) organizes all goods and services into 45 distinct trademark classes, which help define the scope of protection associated with a registered trademark.
This complete list of trademark classes provides an overview of all 45 categories, along with examples of the types of goods or services that fall within each class. While reviewing these trademark classes can be a helpful starting point, determining which classes are appropriate for your business often requires a more nuanced legal analysis than many brand owners initially realize, which is why many founders choose to work with a trademark attorney rather than navigating the process on their own.
Understanding Trademark Classes
Trademark classes are categories used to organize the goods and services associated with trademarks and service marks. While the term “trademark” is often used broadly, trademarks technically apply to goods, whereas service marks apply to services. There are 45 total classes under the Nice Classification system: 34 classes for goods and 11 classes for services.
When filing a trademark or service mark application, applicants must identify the class (or classes) that correspond to how their mark is being used in commerce. The classes selected help define the scope of protection associated with the registration. To learn more about how trademark classes affect the strength and scope of your trademark rights, read the complete guide here.
Below is the full list of trademark classes recognized by the USPTO, including both goods and services categories.
Classes of Goods (Classes 1–34)
Class 1: Chemicals
Examples: Industrial chemicals, fertilizers, adhesives used in manufacturing.
Class 2: Paints
Examples: Paints, varnishes, coatings, wood preservatives.
Class 3: Cosmetics and Cleaning Preparations
Examples: Skincare products, cosmetics, perfumes, soaps, cleaning products.
Class 4: Lubricants and Fuels
Examples: Industrial oils, lubricants, fuels, candles.
Class 5: Pharmaceuticals
Examples: Prescription medications, supplements, veterinary products.
Class 6: Metal Goods
Examples: Metal building materials, pipes, locks, hardware.
Class 7: Machinery
Examples: Manufacturing equipment, engines, industrial machinery.
Class 8: Hand Tools
Examples: Cutlery, hand-operated tools, razors.
Class 9: Electrical and Scientific Apparatus
Examples: Software, mobile applications, downloadable digital products, electronics.
Class 10: Medical Apparatus
Examples: Medical devices, surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment.
Class 11: Environmental Control Apparatus
Examples: Lighting, heating, refrigeration, air conditioning equipment.
Class 12: Vehicles
Examples: Automobiles, bicycles, boats, vehicle components.
Class 13: Firearms
Examples: Firearms, ammunition, explosives.
Class 14: Jewelry
Examples: Jewelry, watches, precious metals.
Class 15: Musical Instruments
Examples: Musical instruments and related accessories.
Class 16: Paper Goods and Printed Matter
Examples: Books, planners, stationery, printed publications.
Class 17: Rubber Goods
Examples: Rubber materials, insulation products, flexible pipes.
Class 18: Leather Goods
Examples: Handbags, luggage, wallets, leather accessories.
Class 19: Nonmetallic Building Materials
Examples: Lumber, concrete, flooring materials.
Class 20: Furniture and Articles Not Otherwise Classified
Examples: Furniture, mirrors, storage containers.
Class 21: Housewares and Glass
Examples: Kitchenware, glassware, household utensils.
Class 22: Cordage and Fibers
Examples: Rope, nets, tents, textile fibers.
Class 23: Yarns and Threads
Examples: Sewing thread, yarn, embroidery thread.
Class 24: Fabrics
Examples: Textiles, bedding fabrics, upholstery fabrics.
Class 25: Clothing
Examples: Apparel, footwear, hats, athletic wear.
Class 26: Fancy Goods
Examples: Ribbons, buttons, artificial flowers, hair accessories.
Class 27: Floor Coverings
Examples: Carpets, rugs, mats, wall coverings.
Class 28: Toys and Sporting Goods
Examples: Toys, games, fitness equipment, sporting goods.
Class 29: Meats and Processed Foods
Examples: Meat products, dairy products, packaged foods.
Class 30: Staple Foods
Examples: Coffee, tea, baked goods, spices, candy.
Class 31: Natural Agricultural Products
Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, live animals.
Class 32: Light Beverages
Examples: Soft drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, beer.
Class 33: Wine and Spirits
Examples: Alcoholic beverages excluding beer.
Class 34: Smokers’ Articles
Examples: Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products, smoking accessories.
Classes of Services (Classes 35–45)
Class 35: Advertising and Business
Examples: Marketing services, business consulting, retail store services.
Class 36: Insurance and Financial
Examples: Insurance services, banking, real estate, financial planning.
Class 37: Building Construction and Repair
Examples: Construction, installation, maintenance, repair services.
Class 38: Telecommunications
Examples: Broadcasting, internet communications, telecommunications services.
Class 39: Transportation and Storage
Examples: Shipping, logistics, warehousing, travel arrangement services.
Class 40: Treatment of Materials
Examples: Manufacturing services, printing, custom fabrication.
Class 41: Education and Entertainment
Examples: Coaching, online courses, workshops, entertainment services.
Class 42: Computer and Scientific
Examples: Software development, web design, scientific research, SaaS services.
Class 43: Hotels and Restaurants
Examples: Restaurants, catering, hotels, hospitality services.
Class 44: Medical, Beauty, and Agricultural
Examples: Medical services, wellness services, beauty treatments, agricultural services.
Class 45: Personal
Examples: Legal services, security services, personal and social services.
Although this complete list of trademark classes can help you understand the categories that the USPTO has set forth, selecting the correct class when filing for federal trademark protection is often more complex than just choosing which class(es) appear most relevant.
Many businesses operate across multiple classes. For example, an online educator may provide coaching services in Class 41, sell downloadable resources in Class 9, and offer business consulting services in Class 35. Similarly, a product-based business may need protection in multiple classes depending on the products it sells and how it sells them.
The specific wording used to describe your goods or services also matters. Filing under the wrong class, offering an overly broad description, or failing to include a relevant class can create gaps in protection or lead to otherwise avoidable complications during the application process.
Building a Strong Trademark Strategy Starts With Proper Classification
Understanding this list of trademark classes is an important first step in the trademark registration process. However, the right classification strategy depends on your specific business model, goods or services offered, and long-term growth plans.
While reviewing a list of trademark classes can help you identify potential categories, working with an experienced trademark attorney can help ensure that your application is structured strategically and provides thorough protection for your brand.
If you're unsure which trademark classes apply to your business, Mika Mooney Law provides strategic trademark guidance for growing brands. Click here to schedule a free discovery call and get the trademark registration process started!
Disclaimer: This post is for legal education purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been formed. To the extent this post constitutes attorney advertising, past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
