Class, Classification, Subclass

Definition: With trademarks, the class or classification means what kind (class) of goods or services offered are being represented by a certain trademark. Trademark classification is based on International Trade Codes. Each class has a number assigned to it.

With patents, the class or classification is based on what type of invention you are patenting. Classes are defined by the U.S. Patent Classification System or USPC. A subclass is as the name suggests a narrower definition (subclass) within a class. Each class or subclass has a number assigned to it.

The USPTO states that a subclass is a smaller refined subset of a class. A subclass has a number, a title, an indent level indicated by zero or more dots, a definition, a hierachical relationship to other subclasses in a class, relationships to other subclasses in other classes, and a set of patents in it. A subclass is the smallest searchable grouping of patents in the U.S. Patent Classification system.

All of which will make more sense if you browse the classification system.

• Trademarks: Classes of Goods and Services
• Patent Classification System

Also Known As: Class, Classification, Subclass