Which classes are related to class 38?

Offices often treat class 9 (software and electronics), class 41 (education and entertainment) and class 42 (technology and SaaS) as related. Communication and streaming services sit next to apps in class 9, content in class 41 and hosting in class 42.

How much does it cost to add class 38 to an application?

As of 2026 the USPTO charges 350 USD per class, the EUIPO includes the first class in its 850 EUR basic fee and charges 50 EUR for a second class and 150 EUR for each further class, and the UK IPO charges 50 GBP for each class after the first. Fees are paid to the office.

What does not belong in class 38?

For providing the streamed content itself, use class 41. For downloadable apps, use class 9. For hosting and SaaS, use class 42.

Class 38 trademark for telecommunications

Short answer

Class 38 covers telecommunications: transmission of data, voice and video, internet access, messaging services, streaming transmission and providing chat rooms and forums. You file in class 38 when you sell these services under your brand; most offices charge an official fee per class.

Class 38 specimen, example Registered

Telecommunications

Nice class: 38 (services)
Protection: 10 years, renewable

Cl.38 Cl.9 Cl.41 Cl.42

Telecom
Messaging services
Streaming transmission
Internet access

Typical services in class 38

telecom
messaging services
streaming transmission
internet access

Official class heading, Nice Classification 12th edition

Telecommunications services.

Often filed in class 38 by mistake

Filing in the wrong class leaves your real products unprotected and still costs the class fee. These belong elsewhere.

Goods or services	Correct class
Providing the streamed content itself	Class 41
Downloadable apps	Class 9
Hosting and SaaS	Class 42

Typical conflicts for class 38 marks

Communication and streaming services sit next to apps in class 9, content in class 41 and hosting in class 42.

An office compares your mark with earlier marks for identical and related goods or services, not only within the same class. Run a trademark availability search to see the closest marks in class 38 and its neighbours, or order a clearance search before a launch.

Frequently asked questions

What does class 38 cover?: Class 38 covers telecommunications: transmission of data, voice and video, internet access, messaging services, streaming transmission and providing chat rooms and forums.
Which classes are related to class 38?: Offices often treat class 9 (software and electronics), class 41 (education and entertainment) and class 42 (technology and SaaS) as related. Communication and streaming services sit next to apps in class 9, content in class 41 and hosting in class 42.
How much does it cost to add class 38 to an application?: As of 2026 the USPTO charges 350 USD per class, the EUIPO includes the first class in its 850 EUR basic fee and charges 50 EUR for a second class and 150 EUR for each further class, and the UK IPO charges 50 GBP for each class after the first. Fees are paid to the office.
What does not belong in class 38?: For providing the streamed content itself, use class 41. For downloadable apps, use class 9. For hosting and SaaS, use class 42.

General information based on the Nice Classification, 12th edition, as of 2026. Offices decide the class of each item; this is not legal advice.

Typical services in class 38

Often filed in class 38 by mistake

Typical conflicts for class 38 marks

Classes related to class 38

Frequently asked questions

Check your name in class 38