Well, trademarks are classified in one of 45 international classifications. Sometimes, a product may be classified in more than one classification. For example, some products are classified differently depending on the type of material of which the product is composed. For example, plastic statuettes are in Class 20 while glass statuettes are in Class 21.

So, if you sell both plastic statuettes and glass statuettes under your trademark, then you may want to consider registering your trademark in both Class 20 and Class 21.

If you choose to do so, then the filing fee would be double for “one” trademark.

The more classes you file under, the more the processing fee will be. Take a look at the trademark for Dale Earnhardt Jr. They registered the trademark in 18 classes.

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Essentially, the difference lies in how you identify your product or service. The PTO has an Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual. If there is a description that identifies your goods or services in the Manual, then you may file your application using the TEAS Plus form. Which costs $275 per trademark per class.

If the Manual does not have a description that adequately identify your goods or services, then you may have to write a free text description and file the application using the TEAS form. This is $50 extra and costs $325 per trademark per class.

If you are patient and wish to suggest an identification, you may contact the PTO and submit an identification for review. If the PTO accepts it, then you may file using the TEAS Plus form. And save $50. But keep in mind, there is no guarantee that they’ll accept it.

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