USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 29 – Meats and Processed Foods

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 29, which includes meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and various processed and preserved foods. If your business produces, sells, or distributes food products in these categories, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my food brand?” or “Does my product fall under Class 29?”, this guide will help clarify whether this classification is appropriate for your brand.

What is Trademark Class 29?

Trademark Class 29 covers meats, preserved foods, dairy products, and other processed food items. This class is commonly used by food manufacturers, grocery brands, and packaged goods companies.

Some examples of goods that might fall under Trademark Class 29 include:

• Meats and Poultry: Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey

• Seafood: Fresh and frozen fish, shellfish, canned seafood

• Dairy Products: Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt

• Eggs and Egg Products: Whole eggs, powdered eggs, liquid egg substitutes

• Preserved and Processed Foods: Canned vegetables, dried fruits, nut butters

• Snacks and Packaged Foods: Potato chips, jerky, hummus, nut mixes

• Plant-Based and Alternative Proteins: Tofu, plant-based meat substitutes, vegan cheese

If your product is a consumable food item that is processed, preserved, or derived from dairy, meat, or plant-based ingredients, Trademark Class 29 is likely the correct classification.

Why Trademark Class 29 Matters for Your Business

Registering a trademark under Class 29 helps protect your brand in the food and grocery industry. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:

1. Prevents brand confusion – Many food products have similar names. A registered trademark ensures your brand is unique and legally protected.

2. Protects against counterfeiting and brand imitation – The food industry is highly competitive, and knockoff brands are common. A trademark helps prevent unauthorized companies from using your brand name.

3. Strengthens consumer trust and brand reputation – Customers associate food brands with safety, quality, and consistency. A trademark reinforces your product’s credibility.

4. Supports business expansion – If you plan to expand into additional food categories, plant-based alternatives, or international markets, a trademark in Class 29 ensures strong brand protection.

Examples of Trademarks in Class 29

Many well-known food brands have trademarks registered under Class 29. Here are a few examples:

1. Oscar Mayer® – Protects its brand for processed meats, bacon, and cold cuts.

2. Chobani® – Covers yogurt, dairy-based beverages, and plant-based dairy alternatives.

3. Beyond Meat® – Trademarks its name for plant-based meat substitutes.

   
   

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

Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 29?

A comprehensive trademark search is highly recommended before applying in Class 29. The food industry has many competing brands with similar product 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 29 is Right for Your Trademark

If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 29 is the correct category for your product, consider the following:

1. Is your product a meat, dairy, or plant-based food item

   • If it’s yogurt, cheese, meat, fish, or a plant-based alternative, Class 29 is likely appropriate.

2. Is your product processed, preserved, or packaged for consumer sale?

   • Frozen meals, canned vegetables, and snack foods belong in Class 29.

3. Does your product overlap with other classes?

   • Some food-related products may require multiple classifications. Examples include:

     • Baked goods (e.g., bread, cakes, cookies) may need Class 30 (Staple Foods).

     • Beverages (e.g., milkshakes, dairy-based drinks) could belong in Class 32 (Non-Alcoholic Beverages).

     • Retail grocery services might require Class 35 (Retail & Business Services).

     
     

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 food manufacturers, snack brands, and grocery suppliers.

Whether you’re launching a new meat brand, protecting a dairy company, or expanding into plant-based foods, we provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Here’s how we assist with Class 29 trademark registrations:

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

• Class Selection Guidance – Helping determine if Class 29 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 29, contact us today to get started.

What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?

Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 29: Meats and Processed Foods with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 30: Staple Foods, where we’ll discuss trademarks for baked goods, pasta, rice, coffee, and spices.

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