Intellectual Property Law

What is International Class 5 All About?

Each class has a short title heading that gives a snapshot of what that class is all about -- IC 5's short title is pharmaceuticals. But, as with anything trademark, there's more to it than that. The USPTO has 955 accepted descriptions that fit into IC 5; check them out here.

This class contains within it all the normal items you think of when you hear the word pharmaceuticals ? antibiotics, antivirals, aspirin (which used to be a trademark), decongestants, etc. But within this class there also exists other items that have to do with medicating or healing or disinfecting.

If something is anti, it likely resides within class 5 ? antibiotic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-itch. Vitamins, minerals and supplements are filed in this class as are pesticides, parasiticides, repellents. You're also going to find things like bandages, bath preparations for medical purposes, deodorizers, herb teas for medicinal purposes.

What Else is in International Class 5?

Seems like with any of these trademark classes, there always seems to be the oddball item or two and IC 5 is no exception. Here are a few items living in IC 5 that seem a bit weird:

? baby food
? skin care preparations, hair care preparations, lotions, etc. that are medicated
? gluten free food
? fly paper

What's New for International Class 5?

The classification guide is constantly being updated with new goods or services. As the marketplace changes, the trademark office must adapt. Here are some of the 2009 listings for international class 5, good plus date added to the guide:

? Algaecides [chemicals for swimming pool maintenance] 04 Jun 09
? Aromatized beverages based on fruit, protein, cordial, sugar and other fluid nutrients, namely, meal replacement drinks for use as a food fillers 26 Mar 09
? Dental tablets for disclosing plaque and tartar on the teeth 05 Mar 09
? Disposable wipes impregnated with disinfecting chemicals or compounds therefor for use on {indicate items being disinfected, e.g., railings, countertops, toilet seats} 15 Jan 09
? Face creams and cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide for medical purposes, namely, the treatment of acne 19 Feb 09
? Medicated cosmetics 26 Mar 09

Full post as published by TradeMark Express: A Daily Blog on June 18, 2009 (boomark / email).