Trademark Classes Explained: Which One Do You Need

Confused about trademark classes? Here's a general, plain-English explanation of the Nice Classification system.

What a trademark class actually is

Trademarks aren't registered in the abstract — they're registered in connection with specific goods and/or services, grouped under the Nice Classification system into 45 numbered classes (34 for goods, 11 for services).

Why the class matters

Your registration only protects your mark for the goods or services (and related classes) you actually list. Filing under the wrong class, or a class that doesn't match how you actually use the mark, can lead to a refusal or a registration that doesn't cover what you need.

A few common examples

Downloadable software and mobile apps generally fall under Class 9. Online, non-downloadable software (SaaS) generally falls under Class 42. Clothing, footwear, and headgear generally fall under Class 25. Restaurant services generally fall under Class 43. These are general starting points, not a substitute for confirming the exact class and description wording.

Do you ever need more than one class?

Yes — if your business offers multiple distinct types of goods or services (for example, both a physical product and a related software app), you may need to file in more than one class, which generally increases the total filing fee.

How to confirm your class before filing

The USPTO provides an ID Manual (Trademark ID Manual) with pre-approved descriptions of goods and services organized by class. Reviewing it, or working with a trademark attorney or filing service, is the general path to confirming the correct class before you file.

Frequently asked

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