Trademark classes are the 45 categories used to organize goods and services in a trademark application: Classes 1 through 34 cover goods, and Classes 35 through 45 cover services. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) uses this international system, known as the Nice Classification, and charges filing fees per class. A trademark class search means identifying the classes that fit what you sell and then searching for conflicting marks in those classes and related ones.
What Is the Nice Classification?
The Nice Classification is an international system for classifying goods and services for trademark registration, maintained by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The USPTO currently applies the Thirteenth Edition, version 2026 (NCL 13-2026), which took effect on January 1, 2026.
Class headings are general indications only. To confirm an item’s class, check the Nice alphabetical list or the USPTO’s Trademark ID Manual of acceptable identifications. The USPTO’s Nice Classification page publishes the current headings and explanatory notes.
Trademark Classes List: All 45 Classes
The short descriptions below summarize the official NCL 13-2026 class headings.
Goods: Classes 1–34
- Class 1 – Chemicals: chemicals for industry, science, photography, and agriculture; unprocessed resins and plastics; fertilizers and compost; fire extinguishing compositions; and industrial adhesives
- Class 2 – Paints: paints, varnishes, and lacquers; rust and wood preservatives; colorants and dyes; printing inks; and metal foils and powders for painting and art
- Class 3 – Cosmetics and cleaning products: non-medicated cosmetics and toiletries, perfumes, non-medicated dentifrices, laundry preparations, and cleaning and polishing products
- Class 4 – Industrial oils and fuels: industrial oils and greases, wax, lubricants, fuels and illuminants, and candles and wicks for lighting
- Class 5 – Pharmaceuticals: pharmaceuticals and medical or veterinary preparations, dietary supplements for people and animals, baby food, bandages and dressings, disinfectants, and pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides
- Class 6 – Metals: common metals and alloys, ores, metal building materials, small metal hardware, metal storage containers, and safes
- Class 7 – Machines: machines and machine tools, power tools, motors and engines (except for land vehicles), agricultural implements other than hand tools, and vending machines
- Class 8 – Hand tools: hand-operated tools and implements, cutlery, side arms other than firearms, and razors
- Class 9 – Electronics and software: scientific, measuring, audiovisual, and teaching apparatus; electrical apparatus; recorded and downloadable media files and computer software; computers and peripherals; and certain safety equipment
- Class 10 – Medical devices: surgical, medical, dental, and veterinary apparatus; artificial limbs; eyeglasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses; orthopedic and assistive devices; and massage apparatus
- Class 11 – Environmental control apparatus: lighting, heating, cooling, cooking, drying, ventilating, water supply, and sanitary installations
- Class 12 – Vehicles: vehicles and apparatus for moving by land, air, or water
- Class 13 – Firearms: firearms, ammunition and projectiles, explosives, and fireworks
- Class 14 – Jewelry and watches: precious metals, jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, and clocks and watches
- Class 15 – Musical instruments: musical instruments, music stands, and conductors’ batons
- Class 16 – Paper goods and printed matter: paper and cardboard, printed matter, photographs, stationery and office supplies, art materials, teaching materials, and plastic packaging films and bags
- Class 17 – Rubber and plastic materials: unprocessed and semi-processed rubber and similar materials, extruded plastics for manufacturing, packing and insulating materials, and non-metal flexible hoses
- Class 18 – Leather goods: leather and imitation leather, luggage and carrying bags, umbrellas, walking sticks, saddlery, and collars, leashes, and clothing for animals
- Class 19 – Non-metal building materials: non-metal construction materials, rigid non-metal pipes, asphalt and tar, transportable non-metal buildings, and non-metal monuments
- Class 20 – Furniture: furniture, mirrors, picture frames, non-metal storage containers, and certain unworked natural materials such as bone, horn, and shells
- Class 21 – Housewares and glass: household and kitchen utensils and containers, cookware and tableware (except forks, knives, and spoons), combs, sponges, brushes, cleaning articles, glassware, and porcelain
- Class 22 – Ropes and fibers: ropes, string, nets, tents, tarpaulins, awnings, sails, bulk storage sacks, padding and stuffing materials, and raw textile fibers
- Class 23 – Yarns and threads: yarns and threads for textile use
- Class 24 – Textiles: fabrics and textile substitutes, household linen, and textile or plastic curtains
- Class 25 – Clothing: clothing, footwear, and headwear
- Class 26 – Lace, embroidery, and notions: lace and embroidery, ribbons and bows, buttons, pins and needles, artificial flowers, hair decorations, and false hair
- Class 27 – Floor coverings: carpets, rugs, mats, linoleum and other floor coverings, and non-textile wall hangings
- Class 28 – Toys and sporting goods: games, toys, video game apparatus, gymnastic and sporting articles, and Christmas tree decorations
- Class 29 – Meats and processed foods: meat, fish, and poultry; preserved and cooked fruits and vegetables; jams; eggs; dairy products; and edible oils and fats
- Class 30 – Staple foods: coffee, tea, rice, pasta, flour and cereal preparations, bread and pastries, confectionery and chocolate, ice cream, sugar and honey, spices, sauces, and condiments
- Class 31 – Agricultural products: raw agricultural, aquacultural, and forestry products; unprocessed grains and seeds; fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs; live plants and animals; animal feed; and malt
- Class 32 – Beers and non-alcoholic beverages: beer, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral and sparkling waters, fruit juices, and syrups for making beverages
- Class 33 – Alcoholic beverages: alcoholic beverages other than beer
- Class 34 – Tobacco and smokers’ articles: tobacco and substitutes, cigarettes and cigars, electronic cigarettes and oral vaporizers, smokers’ articles, and matches
Services: Classes 35–45
- Class 35 – Advertising and business: advertising, business management, organization and administration, and office functions
- Class 36 – Financial, insurance, and real estate: financial, monetary, and banking services; insurance services; and real estate services
- Class 37 – Construction and repair: construction, installation, and repair services, plus mining extraction and oil and gas drilling
- Class 38 – Telecommunications: telecommunications services, including transmission of data, digital files, and email
- Class 39 – Transportation and storage: transport, packaging and storage of goods, and travel arrangement
- Class 40 – Treatment of materials: treatment of materials, recycling of waste, air and water treatment, printing services, and food and drink preservation
- Class 41 – Education and entertainment: education, training, entertainment, and sporting and cultural activities
- Class 42 – Science and technology: scientific and technological services, research and design, industrial analysis and design, quality control and authentication, and design and development of computer hardware and software
- Class 43 – Food service and lodging: services for providing food and drink, and temporary accommodation
- Class 44 – Medical, beauty, and agricultural services: medical and veterinary services, hygienic and beauty care, and agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, and forestry services
- Class 45 – Legal, security, and personal services: legal services, security services, dating and online social networking services, funerary services, and babysitting
How to Choose the Right Trademark Class
- Separate goods from services. Selling your own branded t-shirts falls in Class 25. Running an online store that sells products from many sources is a retail service addressed in the Class 35 explanatory notes.
- Classify by what the item is. The same artwork can land in different classes depending on the product: clothing in Class 25, household containers such as mugs in Class 21, posters and other printed matter in Class 16, and downloadable media files in Class 9.
- Use ID Manual entries where you can. They avoid the USPTO’s free-form text surcharge.
- Claim only what you use or plan to use. An intent-to-use application requires a bona fide intention to use the mark in commerce for the listed goods or services. 15 U.S.C. § 1051(b).
For industry-specific examples, see our guides to Trademark Class 25 for clothing and apparel, Trademark Class 3 for perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps, and which trademark class covers a video game.
How Much Does Each Trademark Class Cost?
USPTO fees multiply by the number of classes. Under the current USPTO fee schedule:
- Base application fee: $350 per class
- Insufficient information surcharge: $100 per class
- Free-form text identification surcharge: $200 per class
- Each additional 1,000 characters in a free-form identification: $200 per class
- Statement of use or amendment to allege use (intent-to-use applications): $150 per class
- Section 8 declaration and Section 9 renewal: $325 per class each
For example, an application covering Classes 9, 35, and 42 that uses ID Manual entries and includes all required information carries $1,050 in base USPTO fees. Attorney fees are separate.
Common Trademark Classes for Online Businesses
- Class 9: downloadable software and mobile apps, recorded and downloadable media files, and computers and electronics.
- Class 25: clothing, footwear, and headwear, including apparel lines and branded merchandise.
- Class 35: advertising, marketing, and business services, along with retail and online store services for goods from multiple sources.
- Class 41: education, training, and entertainment, which covers many online courses, workshops, and live or virtual events.
- Class 42: scientific and technological services, including design and development of computer hardware and software. Check hosted software services against the ID Manual.
What Are Coordinated Classes?
The USPTO explains that international and U.S. classes are “coordinated” when the goods or services in one are closely related to the goods or services in another.
That matters for clearance. A similar mark registered in a coordinated class may still conflict with your application, so a careful search looks beyond your own class. The USPTO’s guide to using coordinated classes explains how to include them in a federal search, and our article on trademark coordinated classes explains more.
What Is a Trademark Class Search?
A “trademark class search” can mean researching which classes fit your goods and services, or searching the register for conflicting marks within those classes. The USPTO’s trademark search system supports both: the IC: field tag searches international class, the CC: field tag searches coordinated classes, and the GS: field tag searches the goods and services description. Our step-by-step guide on how to do a U.S. trademark search explains the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trademark classes are there?
There are 45 trademark classes under the Nice Classification, which the USPTO uses for U.S. applications. Classes 1 through 34 cover goods, and Classes 35 through 45 cover services. The USPTO currently applies the Thirteenth Edition, version 2026, effective January 1, 2026. Each class listed in an application carries its own filing fee.
What is trademark class 35?
Class 35 covers advertising, business management, business organization and administration, and office functions. Its explanatory notes also address retail and wholesale services that bring together a variety of goods so customers can conveniently view and buy them, including through websites. Online retailers that sell products from multiple sources often file in Class 35.
What is the difference between class 41 and class 42?
Class 41 covers education, training, entertainment, and sporting and cultural activities, such as courses, workshops, and live events. Class 42 covers scientific and technological services, research and design, and the design and development of computer hardware and software. A company that builds software fits Class 42, while one that teaches coding courses fits Class 41.
How much does it cost to register a trademark in multiple classes?
USPTO fees are charged per class. The base application fee is $350 per class, so three classes cost $1,050 in base fees. Surcharges of $100 per class for insufficient information and $200 per class for free-form identifications may apply, and intent-to-use applicants pay $150 per class for a statement of use. Attorney fees are separate.
What does trademark class 9 cover?
Class 9 covers scientific, measuring, audiovisual, and teaching apparatus; electrical apparatus; recorded and downloadable media files and computer software; computers and peripheral devices; and certain safety equipment. For online businesses, it is the usual starting point for downloadable software, mobile apps, and downloadable digital content.
Get Help Choosing Your Trademark Classes
If you are preparing an application or need a clearance search across related classes, the trademark attorneys at Revision Legal can map your goods and services to the right classes and handle the filing from start to registration. Contact us through the form on this page or call (855) 473-8474. If you are located in Northern Michigan, our Traverse City office’s trademark team can run the search with you.
