TL;DR: When applying to register a trademark at the USPTO, you must categorize your brand under specific “classes.” There are 45 total international classes—34 for physical goods and 11 for services. Choosing the correct class is mandatory, as it defines the exact scope of your legal protection and aligns your registration with global trademark systems.
A crucial part of filing a strong trademark application is knowing exactly how to classify what you sell. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not just give you a blanket monopoly over a word; they protect your brand within your specific industry.
To organize this, the USPTO uses the international Nice Classification system. While there are 45 classes total, here is a breakdown of 25 of the most common classifications we see for both goods and services.
Trademark Classes for Goods (Physical Products)
Classes 1 through 34 are reserved entirely for physical goods and products. If you manufacture, sell, or distribute a tangible item, your brand will fall into one (or more) of these categories. Here are some of the most frequently used goods classes:
| Class | Category | What It Includes |
| Class 12 | Vehicles | Cars, trucks, boats, and automotive parts. |
| Class 14 | Jewelry | Watches, precious metals, and traditional jewelry. |
| Class 15 | Musical Instruments | Pianos, guitars, and other instruments. |
| Class 16 | Paper Goods | Printed matter, books, magazines, and traditional physical media. |
| Class 18 | Leather Goods | Bags, backpacks, purses, and luggage. |
| Class 25 | Clothing | Apparel, shirts, hats, and footwear. |
| Class 28 | Toys & Sporting Goods | Games, action figures, and sports equipment. |
| Class 29 | Processed Foods | Meats, cheeses, and processed culinary items. |
| Class 30 | Staple Foods | Coffee, tea, baked goods, and spices. |
| Class 32 | Light Beverages | Water, sodas, and mostly non-alcoholic drinks. |
| Class 33 | Wines & Spirits | Alcoholic beverages (excluding beer, which falls in Class 32). |
| Class 34 | Smoker’s Articles | Tobacco products and cannabis-related smoking accessories (to the extent they are not barred by federal law). |
Trademark Classes for Services
Classes 35 through 45 are reserved entirely for services. If your business provides a service to other people or businesses, you will look for your classification here.
| Class | Category | What It Includes |
| Class 35 | Advertising & Business | Retail services, online retail stores, and marketing consulting. |
| Class 36 | Financial & Insurance | Banking, real estate services, and insurance. |
| Class 37 | Construction & Repair | Building contractors, installation, and physical repair services. |
| Class 38 | Telecommunications | Internet-related services, streaming platforms, and social media apps. |
| Class 39 | Transportation | Storage, shipping, and travel arrangements. |
| Class 41 | Education & Entertainment | Performers, podcast streaming, schools, and training courses. |
| Class 42 | Scientific & Computer | SaaS (Software as a Service), IT consulting, and scientific research. |
| Class 43 | Hospitality | Hotels, restaurants, and catering services. |
| Class 44 | Medical Services | Physicians, veterinary services, and healthcare facilities. |
| Class 45 | Personal & Legal | Law firms, security services, and personal life coaching. |
For a complete, exhaustive list of all descriptions of goods and services, you can search the official USPTO ID Manual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About USPTO Trademark Classes
What happens if I choose the wrong trademark class?
Choosing the wrong class can be a fatal flaw in your trademark application. Once your application is filed, the USPTO generally does not allow you to broaden or change your class to cover different goods. If you make a mistake, you will likely have to abandon the application and pay a new filing fee to start over.
Can I file my trademark in more than one class?
Yes. Many businesses operate in multiple classes. For example, if you sell branded t-shirts (Class 25) and also run an online retail store (Class 35), you can include both classes in a single trademark application.
Does the USPTO charge per class?
Yes. The USPTO filing fees are calculated strictly per class, not per application. If the filing fee is $350 and you want to protect your brand in three different classes, your total government filing fee will be $1,050.
What is the difference between a product and a service class for software?
Software is notoriously tricky. If you sell downloadable software (like a traditional CD-ROM or an app downloaded directly to a phone), it is considered a product and belongs in Class 9. However, if you provide cloud-based software or Software as a Service (SaaS) that users access via a web browser, it is considered a service and belongs in Class 42.
For a full listing of the classifications, see https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/goods-and-services. And for details regarding all descriptions of goods and services, visit the USPTO ID manual.
