USPTO Trademark Classes Blog Series: Class 40 – Treatment and Processing of Materials

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 40, which includes manufacturing, custom production, material treatment, and other industrial processes. If your business alters, assembles, or custom-produces goods for others, this class may be the right fit for your trademark.

If you’ve ever asked, “Can I trademark my manufacturing service?” or “What class covers custom fabrication and printing?”, this guide will help clarify whether this classification is appropriate for your brand.

What is Trademark Class 40?

Trademark Class 40 includes services that involve the transformation or processing of materials—this could be through manufacturing, customization, recycling, or any other form of alteration. These services typically result in a new or altered product for a third party.

Some examples of services that might fall under Trademark Class 40 include:

• Custom manufacturing of goods and components

• 3D printing services

• Metal fabrication and welding

• Printing, engraving, and embroidery services

• Food and beverage processing

• Textile dyeing or treatment

• Recycling and waste treatment

• Glass, wood, or stone cutting and polishing

If your business provides material alteration or production services for others, Trademark Class 40 is likely the appropriate classification.

Why Trademark Class 40 Matters for Your Business

Registering a trademark under Class 40 helps protect your brand in the manufacturing, customization, and industrial services sectors, which often rely on business-to-business (B2B) relationships. Here’s why filing in this class might be important:

1. Prevents brand confusion in specialized industries – Many service providers in this space use similar trade names. A trademark helps distinguish your business from competitors.

2. Strengthens your credibility in B2B contracts – When businesses outsource production, a registered trademark reinforces that they’re working with a legitimate, established partner.

3. Protects your name as your service offering grows – Whether you scale into new production lines or expand geographically, your brand stays protected.

4. Supports licensing and private label agreements – If you offer white-label or co-branded services, a trademark strengthens your IP rights.

Examples of Trademarks in Class 40

Many contract manufacturers and specialty processing companies have trademarks registered under Class 40. Here are a few examples:

• Custom Ink® – Registered for custom printing and apparel personalization

• Shapeways® – Covers 3D printing and on-demand production

• Gildan® – Applies to textile treatment and apparel customization services

These companies rely on trademarks to secure their production services, logos, packaging, and digital order platforms.

Do You Need a Trademark Search Before Filing in Class 40?

Yes—a thorough trademark search is essential, especially in industries with many similar service names and technical language. A search helps avoid conflicts with existing trademarks and reduces the chance of rejection at the USPTO.

At Brand Diplomacy, we perform full trademark clearance searches and risk assessments to help you proceed with confidence.

How to Determine if Class 40 is Right for Your Trademark

If you’re unsure whether Trademark Class 40 is the correct category for your services, consider the following:

1. Do you provide material processing or alteration services to others?

   • If yes, Class 40 is likely the correct fit.

2. Do your services result in a changed or customized product?

   • Custom printing, cutting, welding, or assembly fall under this class.

3. Do you also sell the finished goods?

   • If so, you may also need to register in product-based classes (e.g., Class 25 for clothing, Class 20 for furniture).

4. Do you offer software or online ordering portals for your services?

   • These may require additional protection under Class 9 or Class 42.

   
   

Filing in multiple classes may be necessary to fully protect your offerings across services and digital platforms.

How Brand Diplomacy Can Help

At Brand Diplomacy, we assist fabricators, custom printers, manufacturers, and processing companies with protecting the brands behind their production services.

Whether you offer engraving, welding, textile treatment, or 3D printing, we can help you:

• Clear your brand name with a trademark search

• Choose the right classes based on your full range of services

• File your trademark with the USPTO and respond to any follow-ups

• Monitor and enforce your trademark rights as your business grows

If you’re ready to secure your brand in Class 40, contact us today to get started.

What’s Next in Our Trademark Class Series?

Thank you for exploring Trademark Class 40: Treatment and Processing of Materials with us! Up next, we’ll cover Trademark Class 41: Education and Entertainment Services, which includes trademarks for courses, coaching, live events, and media production.

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