Welcome back to our USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series, where we guide businesses through the trademark classification system to help them protect their brands effectively.
In this installment, we’re covering Trademark Class 12, which includes vehicles, transportation equipment, and related parts and accessories. If your business manufactures, sells, or distributes automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, or vehicle components, this class might be the right fit for your trademark.
If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my vehicle brand?” or “Does my product fall under Class 12?”, this guide will help clarify whether this classification is the best option for your brand.
What is Trademark Class 12?
Trademark Class 12 covers a broad range of vehicles and transportation-related products, including land, air, and water vehicles, as well as their essential parts and components.
Some examples of goods that might fall under Trademark Class 12 include:
Motor Vehicles: Cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and vans
Non-Motorized Vehicles: Bicycles, scooters, and wagons
Boats and Marine Vehicles: Ships, yachts, sailboats, jet skis, and canoes
Aircraft: Airplanes, helicopters, drones, and gliders
Rail Vehicles: Trains, trams, and locomotives
Vehicle Parts and Accessories: Tires, wheels, brakes, airbags, and steering systems
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Components: EV batteries, charging stations, electric scooters, and hoverboards
If your product is designed for transportation—whether motorized or non-motorized—Trademark Class 12 is likely the correct classification.
Why Trademark Class 12 Matters for Your Business
Registering a trademark under Class 12 helps protect your brand within the automotive, marine, and transportation industries. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:
Exclusive Brand Rights
Trademark protection ensures competitors cannot use a similar name or logo in the same industry, preventing brand confusion.
Strengthens Brand Identity in the Market
Whether your company manufactures vehicles or provides aftermarket parts, a trademark establishes trust and recognition.
Protects Against Counterfeit Parts and Imitations
Many vehicle parts and accessories are subject to counterfeiting. A registered trademark helps you legally enforce your rights.
Facilitates Business Growth and Expansion
If you plan to expand your brand into new transportation categories, securing a trademark in Class 12 provides legal protection across multiple sectors.
Examples of Trademarks in Class 12
Many well-known vehicle manufacturers and transportation companies have trademarks registered under Class 12. Here are a few examples:
Tesla® – Protects its brand for electric cars, batteries, and charging stations.
Harley-Davidson® – Trademarks its motorcycles, engines, and riding gear.
Ford® – Covers its automobiles, trucks, and automotive parts.
These companies rely on trademark protection to maintain their brand identity and prevent infringement in highly competitive markets.
Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 12?
A comprehensive trademark search is essential before applying in Class 12. Many vehicle brands have similar names, making conflicts common in this category.
At Brand Diplomacy, we conduct in-depth trademark searches to ensure your brand has the best chance of approval. Here’s how we help:
USPTO Database Search – Identifying existing trademarks that could cause conflicts.
Approval Risk Assessment – Evaluating potential obstacles and improving your application’s success rate.
Trademark Strategy Development – Refining your application to reduce the risk of disputes.
How to Determine if Class 12 is Right for Your Trademark
If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 12 is the correct category for your product, consider the following:
Is Your Product a Mode of Transportation?
If it’s designed for movement on land, air, or water, Class 12 is likely appropriate.
Does Your Product Involve Vehicle Parts or Accessories?
Engines, tires, brakes, and structural vehicle parts fall under Class 12.
Does Your Product Overlap with Other Classes?
Some transportation-related products may require multiple classifications. Examples include:
Vehicle software (e.g., navigation systems, infotainment) may require Class 9 (Electronics & Software).
Vehicle maintenance and repair services may need Class 37 (Repair & Installation Services).
Automotive clothing and safety gear could belong in Class 25 (Clothing & Apparel).
If your product crosses multiple categories, filing in more than one class might be necessary for full brand protection.
How Brand Diplomacy Can Help
At Brand Diplomacy, we simplify the trademark process for automotive, marine, and transportation brands. Whether you’re launching a new vehicle line, protecting aftermarket parts, or securing your brand internationally, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Here’s how we assist with Class 12 trademark registrations:
Trademark Search & Clearance – Ensuring your brand name is available before filing.
Class Selection Guidance – Helping determine if Class 12 is the right choice or if additional classes should be included.
Application Filing & Management – Handling the USPTO process to maximize approval success.
Trademark Monitoring & Enforcement – Protecting your trademark from unauthorized use and counterfeits.
If you’re ready to secure your brand in Class 12, contact us today to get started.
What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?
Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 12: Vehicles and Transportation Equipment with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 13: Firearms and Explosives, where we’ll discuss trademarks for guns, ammunition, fireworks, and military defense products.
Stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the USPTO trademark classes, helping you make informed decisions for your brand!
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