Trademark Class Finder: How to Find the Right USPTO Class for Your Business

**TL;DR: The USPTO uses 45 international trademark classes. Filing in the wrong class means ZERO legal protection for your actual product or service. Use our free class finder to get it right the first time.** ## What Is a Trademark Class?

A trademark class (also called an International Class or Nice Classification) is a category that describes the type of goods or services your trademark covers. The USPTO uses 45 classes total:

- **Classes 1-34:** Goods (physical products) - **Classes 35-45:** Services (things you do for money)

When you file a trademark, you must specify which class(es) your mark covers. If you file in the wrong class, you get zero legal protection for your actual business — even if your trademark is approved.

## Why Getting the Right Class Matters

The most common reason trademark applications get rejected: wrong classification. And even if approved, a mark in Class 25 (clothing) does not protect you in Class 41 (entertainment).

Real example: A restaurant chain filed under Class 43 (food services) but forgot Class 35 (retail services) for their branded merchandise line. Someone else registered their logo under Class 25 for t-shirts. The restaurant cannot sell branded apparel without risking infringement.

**The cost of getting it wrong:** - Rejection = $350+ wasted USPTO fee + refiling - Wrong class = zero protection in your actual market - Missing a class = competitors can register your brand in that gap ## Complete Guide to Trademark Classes ### Goods Classes (1-34) **Class 1 — Chemicals** Chemicals used in industry, science, agriculture. Unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics, manure, fire extinguishing compositions. *Example: Adhesives for industrial purposes* **Class 3 — Cosmetics & Cleaning** Soaps, perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions, dentifrices, cleaning preparations. *Example: Shampoo, lipstick, laundry detergent* **Class 5 — Pharmaceuticals** Pharmaceuticals, medical preparations, dietetic substances, baby food, plasters, disinfectants. *Example: Vitamins, first aid kits, hand sanitizer* **Class 9 — Software & Electronics** Scientific apparatus, software, mobile apps, downloadable media, computers, sunglasses, headphones. *Example: Mobile app, SaaS platform, laptop, smartwatch*

**Most common class for tech companies.** If you make software, this is almost certainly one of your classes.

**Class 14 — Jewelry** Precious metals, jewelry, gemstones, watches, clocks. *Example: Wedding rings, luxury watches, cufflinks* **Class 16 — Paper Goods** Paper, cardboard, printed matter, stationery, instructional materials. *Example: Books, posters, greeting cards, stickers* **Class 18 — Leather Goods** Leather and imitation leather, animal skins, luggage, umbrellas, wallets. *Example: Handbags, backpacks, card holders* **Class 21 — Housewares** Household utensils, glassware, porcelain, earthenware, cooking products. *Example: Coffee mugs, cookware, drinking glasses* **Class 24 — Fabrics** Textiles, fabric, bed covers, table covers, curtains. *Example: Towels, bedsheets, blanket* **Class 25 — Clothing** Clothing, footwear, headwear. *Example: T-shirts, sneakers, hats, socks, jackets*

**Most competitive class.** Thousands of new applications filed here every month. Clearance search is critical.

**Class 28 — Toys & Sporting Goods** Games, toys, video game apparatus, gymnastic articles, sporting equipment. *Example: Board games, action figures, basketballs, fishing rods* **Class 29 — Meats & Prepared Foods** Meat, fish, poultry, preserved fruits and vegetables, dairy products, oils. *Example: Frozen meals, canned vegetables, yogurt* **Class 30 — Staples & Spices** Coffee, tea, rice, pasta, bread, spices, ice cream, sauces. *Example: Hot sauce, protein bars, seasoning blends* **Class 32 — Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)** Beers, mineral waters, soft drinks, fruit drinks, syrups. *Example: Energy drinks, kombucha, sparkling water* **Class 33 — Beverages (Alcoholic)** Alcoholic beverages (except beer), wines, spirits, liqueurs. *Example: Vodka, whiskey, wine, cocktails* **Class 34 — Tobacco** Tobacco, smokers' articles, matches, lighters. *Example: Vaping products, cigars, rolling papers* ### Service Classes (35-45) **Class 35 — Advertising & Business Services** Advertising, business management, retail store services, online retail services, mailing lists.

**Second most important class for most businesses.** If you sell anything (online or in-store), this covers your retail services. Almost always recommended alongside goods classes.

*Example: Running an online store, marketing agency, consulting services*

**Class 36 — Insurance & Financial** Insurance, financial services, real estate, banking. *Example: Investment services, mortgage brokerage, insurance agency* **Class 37 — Construction & Repair** Building construction, repair services, installation services. *Example: General contracting, auto repair, HVAC services* **Class 38 — Telecommunications** Telecommunications services, broadcasting, messaging, internet access. *Example: ISP, streaming service, SMS platform* **Class 39 — Transportation** Transportation, packaging, storage of goods, travel arrangement. *Example: Delivery service, moving company, travel agency* **Class 41 — Education & Entertainment** Education, training, entertainment services, sporting events, online content.

**Essential for content creators, course builders, and media companies.** Covers everything from streaming to live events.

*Example: Online courses, YouTube channel, music production, event planning*

**Class 42 — Technology Services** Scientific and technology services, software development, IT services, web hosting, cloud computing.

**The other key class for tech companies** — covers the service side (Class 9 covers software as a product).

*Example: SaaS platform, web development, AI services, cloud storage*

**Class 43 — Food Services** Services for providing food and drink, restaurants, bars, cafes. *Example: Restaurant, catering service, food truck, coffee shop* **Class 44 — Medical & Beauty Services** Medical services, veterinary services, beauty care, agriculture. *Example: Dermatology clinic, hair salon, spa, landscaping* **Class 45 — Personal & Legal Services** Legal services, security services, dating services, social networking. *Example: Law firm, security consulting, online dating platform* ## How to Find Your Trademark Class ### The Manual Way (Takes 30+ Minutes)

1. Go to the USPTO Trademark ID Manual 2. Search keywords related to your product or service 3. Cross-reference against all 45 classes 4. Narrow down candidates 5. Repeat to make sure you didn't miss anything

This works but it takes time — and it's easy to miss a class. The USPTO now requires a .gov account with ID.me verification to search their database, adding friction.

### The Smart Way: AI Class Finder (Takes 5 Seconds)

TradeMaker's free class finder uses AI to read your business description and suggest the right classes automatically:

**How it works:** 1. Describe your business in plain English (what you sell, how you deliver it, who your customers are) 2. Our AI analyzes your description against all 45 classes 3. Get instant class suggestions with subcategory options 4. Pick your classes and move forward

No account needed. No USPTO login. No credit card.

**[Try the free class finder →](/class-search)** ## Common Class Combinations ## Can You File in Multiple Classes?

Yes — and most businesses should. The USPTO charges **$350 per class**, so:

- 1 class: $350 - 2 classes: $700 - 3 classes: $1,050

It's tempting to file in just one class to save money. But remember: a trademark only protects you in the classes you file. If you sell both software AND provide consulting services, you need both Class 9 and Class 42.

## The Bottom Line

Your trademark class determines everything about your legal protection. Filing in the wrong class means your entire application could be wasted. Take 5 minutes with our free tool to get it right:

1. **Describe** your business in plain English 2. **AI reads** your description and finds the right classes 3. **Pick** your classes and start your filing with confidence

**[Find your trademark class →](/class-search)** — Free, no account required, no surcharges.

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*TradeMaker is a trademark filing preparation platform, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice. For complex trademark matters, consult a licensed attorney. We recommend Melivate Group (melivate.com).*