Why does Rihanna have 52 trademarks? Because there are 45 different classes of trademarks under trademark law, it’s important to understand how your products are categorized within each class. In this episode of Marks of a Mogul, Rosezena describes the various classes of trademarks and how different products can fall into different classes even if they’re from the same brand. 

 

While trademarks are often misunderstood to cover a brand’s entire product line, some industries contain multiple trademark classes and require brand owners to file for trademarks in each class individually to secure rights to their brand. Trademark classes exist so different brands can use the same name for different products, like Pandora jewelry and the music streaming service, Pandora. Even though Dove owns both Dove Chocolate and Dove Soap, it had to file for trademarks in each class individually to use the same name. What happens if you don’t file for a trademark in the right class? If you don’t file for a trademark for each class that applies to your brand, another company can use your brand’s name to market products within that particular class. To avoid missing out on owning your brand’s name in multiple classes of product, listen to Rosezena explain how to secure your brand within the 45 classes of trademark law in this episode of Marks of a Mogul. 

 

• (01:25) – Why does Rihanna have so many trademarks?
• (02:00) – The 45 classes of trademarks under trademark law 
• (04:17) – What parts of your brand should be trademarked?
• (05:34) – What if my brand isn’t trademarked in a specific class?
• (08:36) – Registering with the USPTO 
• (09:44) – When to use a 1B Application
• (10:50) – How hair-care products fall under multiple trademark classes 
• (13:27) – Contact Rosezena, @thebizlawyer, to learn more about navigating trademark classes