USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 38 – Telecommunications Services
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Welcome back to our USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series, where we break down each trademark class to help businesses properly categorize and protect their brands.
In this installment, we’re covering Trademark Class 38, which includes telecommunications services such as phone, internet, video streaming, and broadcasting. If your business facilitates digital communication or offers infrastructure to transmit messages, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.
If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my streaming platform name?” or “Does my VoIP service fall under Class 38?”, this guide will help clarify whether this classification is appropriate for your brand.
What is Trademark Class 38?
Trademark Class 38 includes services that enable people to send, receive, and share information over various networks—whether through phone, satellite, the internet, or other communication platforms. This includes both traditional telecommunications services and newer technologies like digital messaging apps and video platforms.
Some examples of services that might fall under Trademark Class 38 include:
Telephone and mobile phone services
Internet and broadband services
Video and audio streaming platforms
Podcast and content distribution networks
Email and messaging services
Wireless and satellite communication
VoIP and internet-based calling services
Hosting or transmission of digital content
If your business enables communication or delivers digital content, Trademark Class 38 is likely the appropriate classification.
Why Trademark Class 38 Matters for Your Business
Registering a trademark under Class 38 helps protect your brand in the telecommunications, streaming, and digital communication industries—industries that rely heavily on name recognition and user trust. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:
Helps you stand out in a crowded space – Many streaming and telecom brands sound similar. A trademark ensures your brand is unique and enforceable.
Protects digital services across platforms – As you expand to new technologies or devices, a registered trademark supports brand consistency.
Builds trust with users and partners – A trademark signals professionalism and stability—critical in communications and tech.
Prepares you for future growth – Whether you're scaling user bases, licensing technology, or pursuing investor partnerships, your brand protection matters.
Examples of Trademarks in Class 38
Many well-known tech and communication brands have trademarks registered under Class 38. Here are a few examples:
These companies rely on trademarks to protect their platforms, apps, and service delivery infrastructure.
Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 38?
Yes—a trademark search is especially important before filing in Class 38. The telecom and tech space is filled with brand names that often look or sound similar, especially with trends toward short, catchy names.
At Brand Diplomacy, we offer comprehensive trademark clearance searches to help determine whether your brand is available and protectable before you apply.
How to Determine if Class 38 is Right for Your Trademark
If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 38 is the correct category for your brand, consider the following:
Does your business transmit or host digital content or communication?
If yes, Class 38 may apply.
Do you operate a platform for calls, video, messages, or content distribution?
These services are generally covered under Class 38.
Does your brand also offer software, hardware, or consulting services?
If so, you may also need to consider other classes, such as:
Class 9 for downloadable or cloud-based software
Class 42 for platform development or tech services
Class 35 for digital marketing or retail services
You may need to file in multiple classes to fully protect your brand across all offerings.
How Brand Diplomacy Can Help
At Brand Diplomacy, we help startups, media companies, and telecom providers secure trademark rights in a competitive, fast-moving industry.
Whether you're launching a video streaming app, offering messaging services, or building a VoIP platform, we can help you:
Clear your brand name before you invest in promotion or development
Select the right classes for your trademark application
Monitor and enforce your trademark rights after registration
If you’re ready to protect your brand in Class 38, contact us today to get started.
What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?
Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 38: Telecommunications Services with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 39: Transportation and Storage Services, which includes trademarks for shipping, delivery, freight, and logistics businesses.
Stay tuned as we continue guiding you through the USPTO trademark classes, helping you make informed decisions for your brand!
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