The USPTO organizes trademarks in different “international classes”, wherein several distinct but associated or commercially related products and services are grouped together. These international classes were initially introduced in the international 1957 Nice Agreement. The USPTO adopted these classifications on September 1, 1973, thereby organizing all trademarks within 45 categories, ( 34 goods classifications and 11 service classifications)
These classifications are designed to include the widest breadth of goods and services between the 45 of them, however some categories are utilized more often than others. The most popular international classifications are as follows:
Class 9-Electrical and Scientific Apparatus
Class 25-Clothing
Classes 29, 30. And 31-Foods
Class 41-Education and Entertainment
Class 42-Computer and Scientific
The selection of an international class is crucial in moving forward with any trademark application, as the subsequent registration will protect the trademark rights within only that sole category. The trademark “GENERIC” registered under class 25, (clothing), will not protect future registrations of the mark “GENERIC FOODS” under Class 29, (Foods).
As tedious as it might seem initially, having a good grasp of the categories the USPTO utilizes in organizing goods and services will become a considerable boon to any prospective registrant’s trademark application.
If you have any questions, or require any assistance, the experienced lawyers at Sari Law Firm are alway available to provide clear and concise legal aid in regards to your trademarks.
