Software, apps and online stores · usually Class 40
What trademark class is a custom printing business?
Printing designs onto shirts, mugs or paper for customers is usually Class 40, which covers treatment of materials and custom manufacturing. If you sell your own designs on print-on-demand products, those goods are what you are branding, so use their classes instead (Class 25 for shirts, Class 21 for mugs). Custom 3D printing for others is also usually Class 40.
The usual class
Classes sellers often add
You pay $350 per class, so add a class only for goods or services you actually offer under the name.
Getting the wording right
Knowing the class is half the job. The application also needs a description of your services in the USPTO's own terms. Wording taken from the USPTO ID Manual costs nothing extra; a custom description adds a $200 per class surcharge. The class finder suggests matching wording from a plain-English description.
Browse Class 40 wording in the USPTO ID ManualWhat filing for a custom printing business costs
- USPTO fee: $350 per class with an ID Manual description.
- Custom description surcharge: +$200 per class.
- TradeMaker attorney-filed plans: from $149 (Express Filing) or $399 (Basic), plus the USPTO fee.
- Timeline: usually 12–18 months from filing to registration.
Common questions
What trademark class is a custom printing business?
A custom printing business is usually Class 40 (Manufacturing Services). Printing designs onto shirts, mugs or paper for customers is usually Class 40, which covers treatment of materials and custom manufacturing. If you sell your own designs on print-on-demand products, those goods are what you are branding, so use their classes instead (Class 25 for shirts, Class 21 for mugs). Custom 3D printing for others is also usually Class 40.
Do I need more than one class for a custom printing business?
Only if you sell more than one kind of goods or services under the name. Common additions: Class 25 (your own branded shirts); Class 21 (your own branded mugs); Class 35 (an online store). Each class has its own USPTO fee, so file only for what you actually sell or have a real plan to sell.
How much does it cost to trademark a custom printing business?
The USPTO fee is $350 per class when the goods or services description comes from the USPTO ID Manual. Writing your own description adds a $200 per class surcharge. TradeMaker's attorney-filed plans start at $149 (Express Filing, one class with ID Manual wording) or $399 (Basic), plus the USPTO fee.
How long does it take to register a trademark for a custom printing business?
Expect 12–18 months from filing to registration. The USPTO reviews the application, may issue an office action, publishes the mark for opposition, and then registers it.
Where do I find the exact wording for a custom printing business?
The application has to describe your goods or services in the USPTO's terms. Describe what you sell in the free class finder to see matching classes and wording, or search the USPTO ID Manual for Class 40. Using ID Manual wording avoids the $200 per class custom-description surcharge.
Related products and services
General info, not legal advice. The USPTO decides the final classification.