Choose the wrong trademark class and your £170 application protects nothing. UK IPO examiners reject 40% of class selections - here's how to pick classes that actually cover your business.
What Are Trademark Classes?
45 categories of goods/services. Class 9 = software. Class 35 = retail. Must register in correct class for protection.
Goods vs Services
Classes 1-34 = physical goods. Classes 35-45 = services. Different protection rules apply.
Common UK Classes
Class 9 (software, apps), Class 25 (clothing), Class 35 (retail, marketing), Class 41 (education, entertainment), Class 42 (tech services).
Multi-Class Strategy
Register core business class first. Add adjacent classes if budget allows. £50 per additional class.
Specification Wording
"Computer software" too broad - rejected. "Project management software for construction industry" approved.
Pre-Approval Tool
UK IPO has term database. Check if your description is pre-approved or will trigger examination.
Warning: Can't add classes after filing without new application. Choose comprehensively upfront or pay double later.
Generic Names Can't Be Trademarked
If you want legal protection and a name competitors can't copy, make it distinctive from day one. Class selection doesn't override generic name issues.