Choosing which trademark classes to include is one of the most difficult aspects of filing a trademark application. Each class has its own set of commodities or services, and the classes’ titles can be perplexing. Business owners frequently employ Trademark Class 9 for Electrical and Scientific Apparatus, covering a wide range of products. Is Class 9 appropriate for your company?
What’s a Trademark Class?
You’ll be asked to select certain classes of goods and services that best represent the items and services you propose to offer in combination with your trademark while you construct your trademark application. The Nice Classifications are utilized in many nations worldwide, and these International Trademark Classes are based on them. There are 45 trademark classes available, with 34 for products and 11 for services. A trademark is only protected in the trademark classes listed on the registration; hence trademark owners frequently need to file for multiple trademark classes to protect their trademarks adequately.
Trademark Class 9: Electrical and Scientific Apparatus
Trademark Class 9 is one of the most prevalent trademark classes, and it covers a wide range of electrical and scientific products, including some of the most popular items like cell phones and laptops. Electrical and scientific services are not covered in Class 9 because it is a goods class; they can be found in one of the 11 service classes. What is included in Trademark Class 9? The USPTO website has a complete list; however, here are some examples of things included under Trademark Class 9:
- Antennas
- Baby monitors
- Alarms
- Telescopes
- Cash registers
- Computer programs
- Battery chargers
- Copper wire
- Microscopes
- Projection screens
- Digital photo frames
- Video cables
- Laptop bags
- Metal detectors
- Headphones
- Jukeboxes
- Protective masks
- Life-saving equipment like life jackets and life rafts
While Trademark Class 9 covers a wide range of electronic and scientific products, it does not cover everything. The following items are not covered in Trademark Class 9:
- Electric toothbrushes
- Electromechanical kitchen appliances
- Clocks and watches
- Non-downloadable digital goods
- Electrical apparatus for heating foods or liquids
Specimens and Coordinating Classes
You’ll also need to provide a specimen that demonstrates how the trademark will be used in commerce and your trademark classes. Labels, containers, and tags with the trademark visible are frequently used as examples or samples for product classes. You’ll need to send a copy of one of these specimens with your trademark application.
Because most businesses offer several products or services, they must file for multiple trademark classes. Consider additional items and services you plan to provide, even if Trademark Class 9 best represents the things you plan to offer under your name. If you want to sell fishing equipment and life jackets, you’ll need to file under Trademark Class 28, Games and Sporting Goods. The following are some other coordinating classes:
- Trademark Class 10: Medical Supplies
- Trademark Class 16: Paper Goods
- Trademark Class 38: Telecommunications
- Trademark Class 39: Shipping and Travel Services
- Trademark Class 41: Education and Entertainment Services
- Trademark Class 42: Science and Technology Services
Considerations when Selecting Trademark Classes
Only the trademark classes you choose on your trademark application will be protected with your registered trademark. This is why it’s crucial to pick the right classes right away. You might be tempted to choose as many trademark classes as possible to get the most protection, but this technique has drawbacks. First, because your filing fees are based on the number of classes listed on your application, your registration expenses will be significantly higher. If you fail to demonstrate usage in commerce within the term allowed by the USPTO, your application may be rejected.
With 45 different trademark classes to choose from, it cannot be easy to know which ones are right for your company. Consider dealing with a trademark attorney instead of guessing the relevant classes or registering for too many. They can assess your business plan to determine which trademark classes should be included on your application, considering both the products and services you already offer and those you plan to offer in the future.
Trademark Class 9
Many of today’s most popular items, such as smartphones, mobile apps, and computer programs, are included in Class 9 for Electrical and Scientific Apparatus. Still, it also contains a wide range of other products. In your trademark application, you must mention Class 9 whether you plan to sell projection screens or manufacture baby monitors. However, you may need to include certain coordinating classes depending on your business plan. Choosing the correct trademark classes for your company might be difficult, but Brealant can assist you. To begin the process of registering your trademark, contact us immediately.