Trademark class 41

Class 41 covers education, training, entertainment, and sporting and cultural activities, including many publishing and event services. If what you offer is something people learn, watch, listen to, read or attend, start here.

Who files in class 41

• A business coach running paid group programmes.
• A creator who sells an online course and runs a members' community.
• A podcast or newsletter publisher with a recurring series.
• An events company that organises an annual conference.

Series, not single works

The USPTO generally does not register the title of a single book, film or song as a mark. The title of a series can be registered. A podcast with many episodes under one name is a series. A one-off e-book is a single work. If your product is one title, a different route may suit you better, such as protecting your business name or the name you publish under.

Coaching, consulting or teaching

The wording you choose decides how the service is classified. Providing online courses in personal finance is education. Advising companies on their finances is a business service and sits elsewhere, often in class 35 or class 36. Many coaches do both, and we ask how the money is earned before choosing words.

What proof looks like

For education and entertainment services, proof is typically a web page or poster showing the name beside the course, show or event, with a way to enrol or attend. A page that only lists your biography does not show the mark used for the service.

Where class 41 meets other classes

• A course delivered through your own learning platform may also involve class 42 if you provide the platform to others.
• Branded notebooks, mugs and shirts sold to fans belong in other goods classes, such as class 25 for clothing.

Names that are really your own name

Many coaches and educators trade under their personal name. A personal name can be registered, but the USPTO may ask for consent or ask about the person's identity where the name points to a living individual. If you are the person named and the applicant, this is usually simple. If a company is the applicant, say so early.

Questions to answer before filing

• Is the name for the programme, the platform, or you personally?
• Will it stay the same if you add live events to a recorded course?
• Do you plan to license the name to other teachers?

Each class adds its own USPTO base fee. A single class 41 filing is a reasonable starting point for most course and media businesses, and you can add classes later as the business grows.

Search first

Course and media names tend to be short, descriptive phrases, which are harder to register. Our free name search checks yours against USPTO records. See how to trademark a name for the whole process, or the classes overview.

This is general information, not legal advice.