USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 21 – Housewares and Glass

Welcome back to our USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series, where we explore the different trademark classes to help businesses properly categorize and protect their brands.

In this installment, we’re covering Trademark Class 21, which includes household and kitchen utensils, glassware, cleaning tools, and containers. If your business manufactures, sells, or distributes kitchenware, dishware, or home cleaning tools, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my cookware brand?” or “Does my product fall under Class 21?”, this guide will help clarify whether this classification is appropriate for your brand.

What is Trademark Class 21?

Trademark Class 21 covers a wide range of non-electric household items, kitchenware, and glass products. This includes tools for cooking, cleaning, and serving food, as well as decorative and functional glassware.

Some examples of goods that might fall under Trademark Class 21 include:

• Kitchen Utensils and Cookware: Mixing bowls, ladles, spatulas, strainers, cutting boards

• Dishware and Glassware: Plates, mugs, drinking glasses, cups, wine glasses

• Food Storage Containers: Jars, plastic food containers, lunch boxes

• Cleaning Tools and Brushes: Brooms, sponges, dusters, scrubbing brushes

• Bathroom Accessories: Soap dishes, toothbrush holders, towel racks

• Decorative Glassware and Ceramics: Vases, candle holders, ornamental glass

If your product is used in the kitchen, for serving food, storing items, or cleaning the home, Trademark Class 21 is likely the correct classification.

Why Trademark Class 21 Matters for Your Business

Registering a trademark under Class 21 helps protect your brand within the housewares, kitchenware, and home essentials industries. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:

1. Prevents market confusion – Many cookware and home goods brands have similar names, and a trademark ensures your brand is distinct and legally protected.

2. Protects against counterfeiting and imitation – The housewares industry is filled with imitation products, and trademark registration can help prevent unauthorized sellers from using your name.

3. Builds brand recognition and trust – Consumers associate kitchenware and cleaning tools with reliability and durability. A trademark helps reinforce your product’s reputation.

4. Supports business expansion – If you plan to expand your product line into cookware, glassware, or storage solutions, a trademark in Class 21 will help protect your brand as it grows.

Examples of Trademarks in Class 21

Many well-known houseware and kitchenware brands have trademarks registered under Class 21. Here are a few examples:

1. Pyrex® – Protects its brand for glass baking dishes, measuring cups, and food storage containers.

2. Tupperware® – Covers plastic storage containers, mixing bowls, and kitchenware.

3. OXO® – Trademarks its name for kitchen utensils, cooking tools, and home cleaning products.

   
   

These companies rely on trademark protection to preserve their brand identity and prevent unauthorized use of their names and designs.

Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 21?

A comprehensive trademark search is strongly recommended before applying in Class 21. Many cookware and kitchen accessory brands have similar names, increasing the likelihood of conflicts 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 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 21 is Right for Your Trademark

If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 21 is the correct category for your product, consider the following:

1. Is your product a non-electric kitchen tool or food container?

   • If it’s a mixing bowl, spatula, measuring cup, or food storage container, Class 21 is likely appropriate.

2. Is your product used for cleaning or home maintenance?

   • Brooms, scrub brushes, and sponges belong in Class 21.

3. Does your product overlap with other classes?

   • Some household products and storage items may require multiple classifications. Examples include:

     • Electrical kitchen appliances (blenders, toasters, coffee makers) may need Class 7 (Machinery) or Class 11 (Appliances & Lighting).

     • Plastic storage containers for industrial use might require Class 20 (Furniture & Containers).

     • Personal care items like soap dispensers could belong in Class 3 (Cosmetics & Cleaning Products).

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 kitchenware brands, home essentials businesses, and glassware manufacturers.

Whether you’re launching a new cookware line, protecting a food storage brand, or expanding into international markets, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Here’s how we assist with Class 21 trademark registrations:

• Trademark Search & Clearance – Ensuring your brand name is available before filing.

• Class Selection Guidance – Helping determine if Class 21 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 21, contact us today to get started.

What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?

Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 21: Housewares and Glass with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 22: Ropes, Sacks, and Textile Materials, where we’ll discuss trademarks for cords, nets, sails, tents, and industrial textiles.

Stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the USPTO trademark classes, helping you make informed decisions for your brand!