Professional services · usually Class 36 or Class 35
What trademark class is a nonprofit?
A nonprofit usually depends on what it does under its name. Charitable fundraising is usually Class 36, and promoting public awareness of a cause is usually Class 35. Educational programs are Class 41 and community services can be Class 45.
The usual classes
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 36 wording in the USPTO ID ManualWhat filing for a nonprofit 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 nonprofit?
A nonprofit is usually Class 36 (Financial Services) or Class 35 (Business & Retail Services). A nonprofit usually depends on what it does under its name. Charitable fundraising is usually Class 36, and promoting public awareness of a cause is usually Class 35. Educational programs are Class 41 and community services can be Class 45.
Do I need more than one class for a nonprofit?
Only if you sell more than one kind of goods or services under the name. Common additions: Class 41 (educational programs and events); Class 45 (social and community services); Class 25 (fundraising merch). 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 nonprofit?
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 nonprofit?
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 nonprofit?
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 36. 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.