Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.
Trademark applications and registrations in Class 13 over the past 15 years.
Class 13 covers firearms, ammunition and projectiles, explosives, and fireworks. With approximately 15,650 live marks, it is one of the smallest goods classes, reflecting both the specialized nature of the industry and the regulatory barriers that limit the number of market participants. Despite its size, the class carries significant commercial weight given the brand loyalty and premium pricing common in the firearms and ammunition markets.
The class's top filers — Langlotz Patent & Trademark Works, Phantom I.P., and Husch Blackwell — include both specialized firearms IP counsel and general-practice firms with defense and sporting goods clients. The firearms industry's unique regulatory environment, including ATF licensing requirements and state-level restrictions, creates a market where brand identity plays an outsized role in purchasing decisions, making trademark protection particularly valuable.
Classification boundaries in Class 13 are relatively clear-cut compared to many other classes, but several common errors persist. Toy guns, airsoft guns, water guns, and cap guns belong in Class 28, not Class 13 — the class covers only real firearms and live ammunition. Hunting knives, bayonets, and other bladed weapons belong in Class 8 as hand tools and cutlery. Protective body armor, bulletproof vests, and ballistic helmets are Class 9 protective equipment, not Class 13. Gun holsters made of leather are Class 18, while holsters of other materials may fall under Class 18 or the material-specific class. Paintball markers and their ammunition are classified in Class 13, a point that surprises applicants who view them as sporting goods.
Firearms manufacturers typically file across Classes 9, 13, 25, and 28, covering optical sights and electronic accessories, the firearms and ammunition, branded apparel, and sporting goods. Pyrotechnics companies pair Class 13 with Class 41 for entertainment event services. Defense contractors often combine Class 13 with Classes 9 and 12 to cover electronics, weapons systems, and military vehicles as an integrated portfolio strategy.
Class 13 includes mainly firearms and pyrotechnic products.
Explore 15,623 live trademarks in Firearms & Explosives. Search by name, owner, or serial number — then filter by Class 13.
Search TrademarksNo. Toy guns, water guns, and cap guns belong in Class 28 (toys and games). Class 13 covers real firearms and live ammunition only.
No. Body armor and bulletproof vests are classified in Class 9 (protective equipment). Class 13 is specifically for firearms, ammunition, explosives, and pyrotechnics.
No. Knives and bladed weapons are classified in Class 8 (hand tools and cutlery). Class 13 covers firearms and explosive devices only.
Paintball markers and their ammunition are classified in Class 13, not Class 28 (sporting goods). This surprises many applicants who view paintball as a recreational sport, but the USPTO treats paintball guns as projectile devices under Class 13.
Gun safes and security cabinets are classified in Class 6 (metal goods) or Class 20 (non-metal furniture), not Class 13. Class 13 covers the firearms and ammunition themselves, not storage devices for them.
No. Airsoft guns, BB guns, and pellet guns used for recreation are typically classified in Class 28 (toys and sporting goods). Class 13 is reserved for real firearms and live ammunition.
No. Gun holsters made of leather are classified in Class 18 (leather goods). Holsters of other materials may also fall under Class 18 or the relevant material-specific class. Class 13 covers only the firearm itself, not carrying accessories.
Firearms manufacturers typically file in Class 13 (firearms and ammunition), Class 9 (optical sights and electronic accessories), Class 25 (branded apparel), and Class 28 (sporting goods). Adding Class 41 for shooting range or training services is also common.
Yes. Fireworks, signal flares, rockets, and all pyrotechnic products belong in Class 13. Companies that also provide fireworks display services should additionally file in Class 41 for entertainment event services.