Trademark Filing Trends by Nice Classification

Trademark filing data from the USPTO reveals important patterns about how industries evolve and where businesses are investing in brand protection. Over the past decade, technology-related classes (Class 9 for software and electronics, Class 42 for SaaS and IT services) have consistently shown strong growth, reflecting the ongoing digital transformation across all sectors of the economy.

Service-oriented classes have grown significantly relative to goods classes, mirroring the broader shift from manufacturing to service-based economies. Class 35 (advertising and business services) remains the most-filed class year after year, as nearly every business offering online retail or marketing services files in this category. Class 41 (education and entertainment) has also seen substantial growth with the rise of online courses, streaming platforms, and digital content creation.

Filing volumes can also serve as leading indicators of economic activity. Drops in filings often precede or coincide with economic downturns, while recovery periods typically show filing surges as new businesses form and existing companies launch new product lines. International filings through the Madrid Protocol have introduced additional volume, as foreign businesses increasingly seek trademark protection in the United States market.