Trademark Class 31: Natural Agricultural Products

The top filers — Nestle Purina PetCare Company, Thomas A. Dirksen, and ArentFox Schiff — reveal the class's two primary commercial drivers: pet food and agricultural products. Nestle Purina's dominance reflects the enormous pet food market, where animal foodstuffs represent the single largest subcategory within Class 31. Thomas A. Dirksen's prominence indicates significant filing volume from agricultural seed and nursery companies, while ArentFox Schiff handles portfolios for major agribusiness clients.

The key classification distinction in Class 31 is the processing boundary. Fresh fruits and vegetables are Class 31; the moment they are frozen, dried, canned, or otherwise processed, they move to Class 29. Fresh herbs are Class 31; dried or preserved herbs shift to Class 30. Live animals are Class 31; animal skins and hides are Class 18. Seeds for planting are Class 31; seeds sold as food (sunflower seeds for snacking) are Class 29. This raw-versus-processed dividing line is the single most important principle for correct classification in this class and generates substantial office action volume.

Pet food brands should note that Class 31 covers animal foodstuffs broadly, but veterinary preparations for animals belong in Class 5. Multi-class strategies for pet industry brands typically combine Class 31 with Class 5 for supplements, Class 18 for leashes and pet clothing, and Class 28 for pet toys. Agricultural companies commonly file Class 31 alongside Class 1 for chemical fertilizers, Class 7 for agricultural machinery, and Class 44 for agricultural services.