Trademark Class 43: Restaurant and Hotel Services

Class 43 includes all names and marks relating to accommodation and food services, from hotels to bars to various types of restaurants.
30 de abril de 2018 por
Trademark Class 43: Restaurant and Hotel Services
Jacob Tingen

If you own a business, it’s probably in your best interest to register a trademark. To do so, you’ll need to submit an application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

When you file your application, the USPTO will ask you which class your mark falls under.

For this reason, having a basic understanding of the different types of classes is key when filling out your application.

In this article, we’ll talk about Class 43, which covers restaurant and hotel services. We’ll also discuss the alternative goods classes restaurant and hotel owners might consider filing under.

What is a Trademark?

By applying for a trademark, you are claiming the exclusive right to use that mark when marketing your goods or services.

If someone infringes on your intellectual property, a registered trademark is much easier to defend in court.

This is especially true for imported goods. Names, logos, slogans, and other forms of branding can all be trademarked in this way.

However, you can only take action against marks that infringe on your claim in a certain class.

For example, let's say you register the trade name "Easy-Hut" for your hotel business.

This means you're registered in Class 43 and gain protections in that class.

However, if, for some reason, someone started an advertising business with the same name, they have the right to use the name when selling their advertising services.

This is because they have protections under a different class, and consumers are less likely to mix the two businesses up since they do drastically different things.

If your business's goods or services fall into multiple trademark classes, you should register your trademark in more than one class in order to gain broader protections.

Remember, however, that you need to use the mark in commerce.

You can't simply register your brand in all 45 classes and expect to receive protections.

The USPTO examines these applications closely.

If you applied for trademark classes that aren’t applicable to your business, they will simply reject your application.

Nevertheless, many successful businesses file under multiple trademark classes.

Consider whether doing so is the right move for your business.

What Services does Class 43 Include?

Class 43 includes all names and marks related to accommodation and food services.

Although that sounds simple, 43 is a very expansive trademark class that includes many services you might not expect.

While the major players are restaurants and hotels, a few other services are included as well.

We'll list some of the most notable below.

Accommodations

In addition to hotel services, Class 43 covers businesses such as retirement homes, campground facilities, and event facilities.

It also includes boarding services for animals, provided that they do not include veterinary services.

Food Services

Another interesting inclusion is catering services.

Soup kitchens, wedding caterers, and really any business that provides food, with or without cost, falls under this category.

Rental Services

Lastly, many rental services also fall under Class 43. Furniture and equipment rentals, for example, generally count as Class 43 services.

While renting houses and apartments are typically Class 36 services, temporary homes are also grouped in Class 43.

Related Classes

It’s also important to note which services do not fall into class 43.

The following trademark classes are related to Class 43 and are sometimes even coordinated with it.

This means that many trademark applications pair Class 43 with one of the classes listed below.

If your intellectual property falls into one or more of the categories below, strongly consider filing under both classes.

Finally, note that trademark Class 43 is specifically a service class.

This means that any trademarks related to goods your company produces will need to be trademarked separately.

For example, a steakhouse that also sells branded meat to nearby grocery stores would need to file under both Class 43 and Class 29.

Common Problems in Trademark Applications

Dealing with Similar Trademarks

Before you apply, make sure you search the USPTO’s database for similar trademarks.

If you see one that seems identical or similar to your own trademark, you’ll need to either change your intellectual property or file under a different class.

For this reason, it's usually smart to order a trademark search report before filling out your application.

Abandoning your Trademark

The most common area people trip up is actually in the steps after you've finished filing.

Essentially, trademark registration only gives you an exclusive claim on the use of your trademark for a limited time.

You'll need to renew your trademark periodically with the USPTO.

In addition, you should make an effort of policing your mark.

The USPTO will not file a trademark dispute on your behalf, so if a mark is infringing on your own, you'll have to go after it yourself.

Conclusion

When it comes to applying for a Class 43 trademark, it’s important to have the right legal help.

A good trademark lawyer can help you file your trademark correctly and avoid issues arising from similar intellectual properties.

They can also help you maintain your trademark after you’re finished filing, ensuring legal protection for your brand in the future.