Back to: Trademark Process

 Overview of Goods and Services

Goods refer to tangible products sold to customers, such as bicycles or candles. Services involve actions performed for others, like bicycle repairs or catering. Both goods and services can be listed in your application. Learn more about goods and services at https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/trademark-definitions.

How to Identify Goods and Services

If your application is based on “use in commerce,” you must actively use the trademark for all goods and services listed. If it is based on a “bona fide intent to use,” you must genuinely intend to use the trademark for all listed goods and services. For more details, visit https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/use-commerce-and-intent-use.

Choose clear and concise terms that are easily understood by the public, accurately describing your goods or services. Avoid vague terms like “miscellaneous services,” which can result in application denial or refusal. See identification tips at https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/goods-and-services-identification.

For example, you may use your trademark as a brand for black short-sleeved t-shirts. Acceptable descriptions include “t-shirts,” “shirts,” or “tops as clothing.” Each accurately describes the goods.

You can search for pre-approved descriptions and classifications in the USPTO ID Manual (https://idm.uspto.gov/) or draft your own descriptions for an additional fee per class.

If you cannot find an accurate identification in the ID Manual, you can suggest a new identification by following instructions on the Trademark Identification Manual Suggestions page (https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/trademark-identification-manual-suggestions). Suggestions are reviewed and may be added after approval.

Understanding Trademark Classes

Trademark classes help organize goods and services in applications, determine fees, and facilitate database searches. These classes, numbered 1 to 45, are defined by international agreement. Goods and services are never grouped together in the same class. Learn more about trademark classification at https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/trademark-classification.

The base filing fee for each class of goods or services is $350. Your total fee depends on the number of international classes in your application. For example, a clothing line including golf shirts, dress shirts, and t-shirts falls under one class, costing $350. If you offer custom t-shirt printing services, you’ll have two classes and pay $700 ($350 for each). Review fee details at https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/fees.