Scientific, research, navigation, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, audiovisual, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, detecting, testing, inspecting, life-saving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling the distribution or use of electricity; apparatus and instruments for recording, transmitting, reproducing or processing sound, images or data; recorded and downloadable media, computer software, blank digital or analogue recording and storage media; mechanisms for coin-operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating devices; computers and computer peripheral devices; diving suits, divers' masks, ear plugs for divers, nose clips for divers and swimmers, gloves for divers, breathing apparatus for underwater swimming; fire-extinguishing apparatus.
Trademark applications and registrations in Class 9 over the past 15 years.
Class 9 is by far the largest trademark class in the United States — more than any other class by a substantial margin. It covers an extraordinarily broad range of goods: scientific, navigational, surveying, photographic, cinematographic, audiovisual, optical, weighing, measuring, signalling, detecting, testing, inspecting, life-saving, and teaching apparatus; electrical distribution and control apparatus; apparatus for recording, transmitting, reproducing, or processing sound, images, or data; recorded and downloadable media; computer software; and blank recording media. The class's dominance reflects the central role of technology and software in modern commerce.
The class's top filers — Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, Greenberg Traurig, and LegalForce RAPC — represent a mix of elite IP boutiques handling major technology portfolios and high-volume filing services serving the wave of software and app-based startups. Every major technology company maintains extensive Class 9 portfolios, and the class attracts filings from virtually every industry sector as companies develop branded software and digital products.
The most significant classification boundary for Class 9 is with Class 42. Downloadable software — applications sold or distributed as goods — belongs in Class 9. Software provided as a service (SaaS, cloud-based platforms, web applications accessed via browser) belongs in Class 42. Most software companies file in both classes, and examining attorneys scrutinize the identification of goods closely to ensure proper classification. Other common boundaries include Class 11 (electronic apparatus that heats, cools, or lights belongs in Class 11, not Class 9), Class 28 (physical game apparatus is Class 28, game software is Class 9), and Class 10 (general-purpose fitness trackers are Class 9, FDA-cleared medical monitoring devices are Class 10).
Technology companies typically anchor their portfolios in Classes 9, 35, 38, and 42, covering software products, online retail and advertising services, telecommunications, and SaaS offerings. Consumer electronics brands add Class 11 for smart home devices. For any company with a digital product, Class 9 is virtually mandatory as the starting point for trademark protection.
Class 9 includes mainly apparatus and instruments for scientific or research purposes, audiovisual and information technology equipment, as well as safety and life-saving equipment.
| # | Firm | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. | 7,682 |
| 2 | Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP | 6,885 |
| 3 | Greenberg Traurig, LLP | 6,508 |
| 4 | Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP | 6,254 |
| 5 | LegalForce RAPC Worldwide, P.C. | 6,230 |
| 6 | LZ Legal Services, LLC | 6,008 |
| 7 | Muncy, Geissler, Olds & Lowe, P.C. | 5,574 |
| 8 | Knobbe, Martens, Olson & Bear, LLP | 5,533 |
| 9 | BARNES & THORNBURG LLP | 5,506 |
| 10 | PERKINS COIE LLP | 4,940 |
Editorial deep dives spanning Nice Class 9 and adjacent classes
When the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board cleared its opposition docket in Q4 2025, the people who filed the oppositions mostly walked away winners.
On the last day of the quarter, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board sustained an opposition brought by the heirs of Diego Armando Maradona against Sattvica S.A.
When the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decided an opposition on the merits this quarter, the party bringing the challenge usually won.
Explore 601,247 live trademarks in Electronics, Software & Scientific Equipment. Search by name, owner, or serial number — then filter by Class 9.
Search TrademarksYes. Downloadable software products (apps, programs sold as goods) belong in Class 9. Software provided as a service (SaaS, cloud-based platforms) belongs in Class 42. Many software companies file in both classes to protect the product and the service.
Yes. Audio equipment including headphones, speakers, microphones, and amplifiers are classified in Class 9 as apparatus for recording, transmitting, or reproducing sound.
Class 9 covers electronic and scientific apparatus (computers, cameras, measuring instruments). Class 11 covers electrical installations for lighting, heating, cooling, and cooking (lamps, air conditioners, ovens). The function determines the class.
Video game software (downloadable games, game apps) belongs in Class 9. Video game hardware and physical game apparatus (consoles, controllers, board games) belong in Class 28.
Yes. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as downloadable digital files authenticated by blockchain are classified in Class 9. The online marketplace services for trading NFTs belong in Class 35, and the blockchain technology platform itself may be Class 42 (SaaS).
Smart home hubs, security cameras, smart doorbells, and home automation controllers belong in Class 9 as electronic apparatus. However, smart thermostats and smart lighting belong in Class 11 because their primary function is heating/cooling or lighting, even though they contain electronics.
Yes. Protective cases, covers, and screen protectors for electronic devices are classified in Class 9 as accessories for electronic apparatus. This is a common filing category for consumer electronics accessory brands.
Yes. AI software, machine learning models distributed as downloadable products, and trained neural networks are classified in Class 9 as computer software. AI-powered services provided via the cloud belong in Class 42. Most AI companies file in both classes.
Consumer and commercial camera drones are typically classified in Class 9 as electronic apparatus. Drones designed primarily as vehicles for transporting goods or people may belong in Class 12. Military drones could fall under Class 13 if they are weapons platforms.
The biggest mistake is filing only in Class 9 for a SaaS product. If your software is accessed through a browser or cloud platform rather than downloaded and installed, it belongs in Class 42, not Class 9. Filing in the wrong class can leave your core product unprotected. Most software companies need both classes.