How to Trademark a Brewery Name

Which classes does a brewery need?

Beer itself falls in Class 32. If you operate a taproom, brewpub, or restaurant serving your beer, that hospitality service falls in Class 43. Breweries offering contract or custom brewing for others may also need Class 40. Many breweries file in Class 32 plus Class 43, with each class adding a $350 USPTO fee to protect both the product and the venue.

Why is a search critical for breweries?

The craft-beer industry has thousands of breweries and even more beer names, so conflicts are common. A comprehensive clearance search checks for existing brewery names and beer marks that could block your application or lead to a dispute. Because the USPTO fee is non-refundable, searching first protects your investment and your launch timeline.

How do you file a brewery trademark?

Choose your brewery name and any signature beer names, run a clearance search, select the correct classes (32, and often 43), and file your application with a proper specimen showing the mark in use. File early, since U.S. rights are largely first-to-file. Secure Mark USA can search availability and handle the filing from $99 plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee.

Key takeaways

• Beer falls in Class 32; a taproom or brewpub falls in Class 43.
• Contract brewing services may require Class 40.
• Craft-beer names are crowded, so a clearance search is essential.
• Each class adds a $350 USPTO fee.
• Secure Mark USA files brewery trademarks from $99 plus the $350-per-class USPTO fee.

Frequently asked questions