USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 17 – Rubber, Plastics, and Insulation Materials
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Welcome back to our USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series, where we explore each trademark class to help businesses categorize and protect their brands effectively.
In this installment, we’re covering Trademark Class 17, which includes rubber, plastics, and insulation materials used in industrial, commercial, and manufacturing applications. If your business produces or sells rubber products, plastic goods, or insulation materials, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.
If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my plastic product?” or “Does my material fall under Class 17?”, this guide will help clarify whether this classification is appropriate for your brand.
What is Trademark Class 17?
Trademark Class 17 covers non-metallic materials used in manufacturing, insulation, sealing, and protection. This includes rubber, plastic, synthetic materials, and flexible goods that are not classified as finished consumer products.
Some examples of goods that might fall under Trademark Class 17 include:
Rubber and Synthetic Rubber Products: Industrial rubber, sealing rings, rubber sheets
Plastic Materials: Plastic sheeting, plastic films, flexible plastic pipes
Insulating Materials: Foam insulation, fiberglass insulation, heat-resistant materials
Sealing and Packing Materials: Gaskets, O-rings, waterproofing seals
Flexible Hoses and Tubing: Non-metallic hoses, PVC tubing, silicone tubing
Adhesive Tapes and Non-Metallic Couplings: Electrical insulation tape, weatherproof sealing tape
Shock Absorbing and Soundproofing Materials: Acoustic foam, vibration dampening mats
If your product is used for sealing, insulating, protecting, or manufacturing, Trademark Class 17 is likely the correct classification.
Why Trademark Class 17 Matters for Your Business
Registering a trademark under Class 17 helps protect your brand within the rubber, plastic, and insulation industries. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:
Protects Your Industrial and Manufacturing Brand
If your company produces rubber, plastic, or insulation materials, a trademark ensures your brand is distinct in the marketplace.
Prevents Brand Confusion Among Suppliers and Manufacturers
Many industrial products have similar names—a trademark ensures that your company stands out.
Helps Prevent Unauthorized Use and Counterfeiting
Trademark registration prevents competitors from using a similar name or logo to mislead buyers.
Supports Business Growth and Expansion
If you plan to expand your brand into different material-based industries, a trademark in Class 17 provides protection as you grow.
Examples of Trademarks in Class 17
Many well-known material manufacturers have trademarks registered under Class 17.
Here are a few examples:
These companies rely on trademark protection to preserve their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their names and materials.
Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 17?
A comprehensive trademark search is strongly recommended before applying in Class 17. Industrial materials and plastic product brands often have similar names, increasing the likelihood of conflicts.
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 similar 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 17 is Right for Your Trademark
If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 17 is the correct category for your product, consider the following:
Is Your Product Made of Rubber or Plastic?
If it’s a rubber or plastic sheet, film, or flexible material used in industrial applications, Class 17 is likely appropriate.
Is Your Product Used for Insulation or Protection?
Thermal insulation, soundproofing materials, and waterproofing products belong in Class 17.
Does Your Product Overlap with Other Classes?
Some material-based products may require multiple classifications. Examples include:
Plastic packaging containers may need Class 20 (Furniture & Containers).
Plastic building materials might also require Class 19 (Building Materials).
Adhesives for home or office use could belong in Class 1 (Chemicals) or Class 16 (Paper Goods).
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 rubber, plastic, and insulation material manufacturers. Whether you’re launching a new industrial product line, protecting a polymer-based brand, or expanding into international markets, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Here’s how we assist with Class 17 trademark registrations:
Trademark Search & Clearance – Ensuring your brand name is available before filing.
Class Selection Guidance – Helping determine if Class 17 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 17, contact us today to get started.
What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?
Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 17: Rubber, Plastics, and Insulation Materials with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 18: Leather Goods and Travel Accessories, where we’ll discuss trademarks for handbags, wallets, suitcases, and leather materials.
Stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the USPTO trademark classes, helping you make informed decisions for your brand!
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