Trademark Class 1: Chemicals | Complete Filing Guide
Everything you need to file a trademark in Class 1. Covers industrial chemicals, fertilizers, adhesives, and chemical substances used in manufacturing.
Class 1 covers chemicals used in industry, science, photography, agriculture, and forestry. If you manufacture or sell industrial chemicals, adhesives, or fertilizers, this is your class.
What Class 1 Covers
Class 1 includes chemical products used in industrial, scientific, and agricultural applications. These are raw or processed chemicals that become components in other products or processes.
The class covers five general categories:
- Industrial chemicals - Chemical preparations for manufacturing and processing
- Agricultural chemicals - Fertilizers, soil conditioners, pesticide adjuvants
- Adhesives for industry - Industrial glues and bonding agents
- Photography chemicals - Developing agents and film processing chemicals
- Fire extinguishing compounds - Chemical fire suppressants
Included in Class 1
Industrial Chemicals:
- Chemical preparations for industrial use
- Unprocessed plastics
- Tempering and soldering substances
- Chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs
- Tanning substances
Agricultural Chemicals:
- Fertilizers
- Soil conditioners
- Seed treatment chemicals
- Pesticide adjuvants
- Compost and manures
Adhesives:
- Adhesives for industrial purposes
- Glues for industrial use
- Unprocessed adhesive substances
- Bonding agents for industrial applications
Other:
- Photographic chemicals and unexposed films
- Fire extinguishing compositions
- Artificial resins (unprocessed)
- Plasticizers
NOT Included in Class 1
These similar items belong in other classes:
- Cosmetic chemicals and ingredients - Class 3 (Cosmetics & Personal Care)
- Pharmaceutical chemicals - Class 5 (Pharmaceuticals)
- Paints and varnishes - Class 2 (Paints & Coatings)
- Household adhesives (glue sticks) - Class 16 (Paper Goods)
- Fuel additives - Class 4 (Fuels & Lubricants)
- Chemical cleaning products - Class 3 (Cosmetics & Personal Care)
Common Goods Descriptions
Using pre-approved descriptions from the USPTO Trademark ID Manual avoids the $200 custom description surcharge.
Popular pre-approved descriptions for Class 1:
- Chemicals used in industry
- Adhesives used in industry
- Unprocessed artificial resins
- Fertilizers
- Fire extinguishing compositions
- Chemical preparations for scientific purposes
- Manures
- Tempering and soldering preparations
Important: The USPTO requires specific descriptions. "Chemicals" alone is too broad. You must specify the industrial application or use case.
Well-Known Marks in Class 1
These recognizable brands are registered in Class 1:
- 3M - Industrial adhesives and chemical compounds
- DuPont - Industrial chemicals and polymers
- BASF - Chemical products for manufacturing
- Dow - Plastics and industrial chemicals
- Scotts - Fertilizers and lawn care chemicals
Filing Tips for Class 1
Be Specific About Application
The USPTO will reject vague descriptions. Instead of "industrial chemicals," describe the specific use:
- Good: "Chemical preparations for use in the manufacture of plastics"
- Bad: "Industrial chemicals"
- Good: "Fertilizers for agricultural use"
- Bad: "Agricultural products"
Consider Your Full Product Line
Chemical companies often need multiple classes:
| What You Offer | Class |
|---|---|
| Industrial chemicals | Class 1 |
| Paints and coatings | Class 2 |
| Chemical cleaning products | Class 3 |
| Pharmaceutical chemicals | Class 5 |
Specimens for Chemical Products
For Class 1 trademarks, acceptable specimens include:
- Product labels showing the mark and chemical product
- Packaging for chemical products
- Website pages where chemicals are sold
- Technical data sheets referencing the mark
Related Classes
If you are filing in Class 1, you may also need:
- Class 2: Paints & Coatings - Paints, varnishes, lacquers, and coatings
- Class 5: Pharmaceuticals - Pharmaceutical and veterinary preparations
- Class 17: Rubber & Plastics - Rubber, plastics, and insulating materials
- Class 19: Building Materials - Non-metallic building materials
Filing Fees
Current USPTO fees for Class 1 trademark applications (2025):
| Filing Type | Fee per Class |
|---|---|
| Electronic filing (ID Manual description) | $350 |
| Electronic filing (custom description) | $550 |
| Paper filing | $1,000 |
Each additional class adds the same fee.
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