Key Takeaways

  • Class 2 trademarks cover paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives, dyes, and related goods used for industry, art, and protection against corrosion.
  • Class 2 is part of the 45 international trademark classes established under the Nice Agreement, which divides goods (Classes 1–34) and services (Classes 35–45).
  • Closely related classes include Class 1 (chemicals), Class 3 (cosmetics and cleaning), and Class 16 (paper goods), with potential overlaps requiring multiple registrations.
  • Specimens for Class 2 trademarks typically include product labels, packaging, or tags showing the mark’s commercial use.
  • Registering a trademark in Class 2 provides nationwide protection in the U.S. and supports international protection under WIPO systems.
  • Correct classification ensures enforceability and helps avoid disputes or rejections during the trademark application process.

The international class 2 trademark is used to refer to paints, pigments, and similar materials. Class 2 is one of 45 trademark classes listed for both goods and services. When applying for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, part of the application process will be determining which class your patent fits into. Properly registering your trademark will:

  • Provide you with legal protections.
  • Establish your brand.
  • Set you apart from the competition.

When determining the cost of registration, you will need to know how many classes your business may apply in. The more property you have to protect, the more likely you will have multiple classes where it may fit.

What Does Class 2 Cover?

Class 2 will cover a number of related items such as:

  • Varnish.
  • Lacquer.
  • Preservatives.
  • Colorant.
  • Mordant.
  • Raw natural resin.
  • Foil metal.
  • Powder metal.
  • Aluminum paint.
  • Anti-fouling paint.
  • Ceramic paint.
  • Enamel paint.
  • Glazes.
  • Fireproof paints.
  • Primer.
  • Anti-corrosive paints.
  • Anti-rust paints.
  • Anti-tarnishing material.
  • Oil used for wood preservation.
  • Copal.
  • Gum resin.
  • Mastic.

Class 2 in the Context of International Trademark Classes

Class 2 trademarks are part of the broader system of international trademark classes, also known as the Nice Classification (NCL). This classification system, established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), divides goods and services into 45 categories: Classes 1–34 cover goods and Classes 35–45 cover services.

Class 2 specifically relates to paints, varnishes, lacquers, and chemical preparations for surface protection or decoration. Within the global classification system, Class 2 ensures that businesses producing coatings, pigments, and protective substances are distinguished from those making cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or construction services.

Understanding Class 2 in this broader framework helps applicants avoid misclassification and anticipate overlaps with other classes. For example, pigments used in industrial coatings fall under Class 2, while similar substances used in cosmetics belong in Class 3.

Related Classes

When registering for a trademark you may find that the product or service that you offer falls under one or more of the international trademark classes. There are classes that are closely related to class 2 items, and there may be some crossover when identifying the appropriate class. Some of the classes commonly linked to class 2 items include:

  • Class 3 - cosmetic and cleaning preparation.
  • Class 1 - chemicals.
  • Class 16 - paper goods and printed matter.
  • Class 17 - rubber goods.

There are also instances where you may be required to register under multiple classes. For example, if your class 2 products are being used for building construction or repairs, you could also need to register it under class 37, construction and repair services, as well. Or if you are using your class 2 products for dyeing or the treatment of clothing, you will also have to register under class 40, which covers the printing and treatment of materials.

It is also important to note that even if your trademark fits in the class 2 category, there still might be a class that fits them better. If you find yourself stuck between two classes that could equally fit your product you should consult an attorney to determine which WIPO standards will best apply.

How to Choose the Correct Trademark Class

Selecting the correct class is crucial because trademarks are only protected within the classes in which they are registered. Common mistakes include:

  • Confusing overlapping categories – for instance, dyes for industrial use fall into Class 2, but dyes for cosmetics fall into Class 3.
  • Assuming one class covers all uses – a product may need coverage in multiple classes if it is marketed across industries (e.g., protective paints for construction in Class 2 and related construction services in Class 37).
  • Ignoring future business expansion – if you plan to expand your product line, it may be wise to register in multiple classes now.

Failure to classify correctly can result in limited protection or even rejection of the application. Reviewing the full list of international trademark classes and consulting a trademark attorney can prevent costly errors.

Specimens for Class 2

When you plan to use the mark for the purpose of commerce, you may be required to furnish a specimen with the appropriate mark so that it is visible to consumers. A trademark specimen can be represented by:

  • Tags.
  • Labels.
  • Containers.
  • Displays.

You can also use a copy or mark reproduction of the specimen to mark goods, and it still is considered acceptable. Most often products in class two will be identified with labels. You can also use both shipping and mailing labels as long as they are affixed to the goods or the containers in which the goods are packaged. Yet the trademark must be used as the trade name only is not acceptable.

Filing and Examination Considerations for Class 2 Marks

When filing a Class 2 trademark, the USPTO and other international trademark offices review applications to ensure:

  • The specimen shows actual use in commerce, not just advertising.
  • The goods description is precise, such as “industrial anti-corrosive paints” rather than simply “paints.”
  • The mark is distinctive and not generic or merely descriptive of the product.

Internationally, most jurisdictions follow the same Nice Classification system, but descriptions must still align with local trademark office requirements. Misdescribing a product or using overly broad terms can delay approval or narrow the scope of protection.

Why Should You Register a Trademark?

You may find yourself asking the question, do I really need a registered trademark? If you plan to expand or grow your business, the answer is yes as common law trademark laws may not be enough to protect your property. Common law trademark rights can help protect your product within the local market. Unfortunately the farther you branch out and grow even regionally the risk that your rights will weaken. If you plan on moving into the e-commerce market registering a trademark is a necessity to ensure protection.

Additionally, when your trademark is properly registered, you will then have the power to enforce it and file suit for damages against someone who infringes on your rights at the federal court level. With registration, you will have rights that extend out of local jurisdiction and can even protect you in the online world. Registering with the USPTO, your trademark will be protected in 50 states.

You can also expect brand protection when you register your trademark. The best way to successfully grow your business is by proving yourself through your brand and making your brand easily identifiable in the customer's mind. A trademark can also ensure that your customers remember your name over the competition.

Global Importance of International Trademark Classes

Trademark protection does not automatically extend worldwide. However, by aligning your application with the international trademark classes under the Nice Agreement, you gain a standardized basis for protection across multiple jurisdictions.

Benefits of this system include:

  • Harmonization – consistent classification across more than 150 countries.
  • Simplification – easier to expand trademark protection abroad without redefining your goods or services.
  • Stronger enforcement – courts and customs authorities rely on international classifications when evaluating infringement claims.

For businesses producing Class 2 goods, this means your brand can be protected both in the U.S. and internationally, provided you file through systems like the Madrid Protocol.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is an international trademark class?
    International trademark classes are the 45 categories under the Nice Classification that group goods (Classes 1–34) and services (Classes 35–45) for trademark registration.
  2. What products fall under Class 2 trademarks?
    Class 2 covers paints, varnishes, lacquers, preservatives, pigments, mordants, and related chemical preparations for industrial and artistic use.
  3. Can I register in more than one trademark class?
    Yes. If your products or services span multiple industries, you may need to register in more than one class to ensure full protection.
  4. How do Class 2 trademarks differ from Class 3 trademarks?
    Class 2 covers paints and industrial colorants, while Class 3 includes cosmetics, cleaning products, and dyes for personal use.
  5. Do international trademark classes guarantee worldwide protection?
    No. They standardize classification, but you must file in each jurisdiction (or use treaties like the Madrid Protocol) to gain protection abroad.

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