How to trademark a coffee brand
Roasting beans, running a café or both? Each needs a different class. Here's how to file, why origin and roast names cause refusals, and what proof of use looks like for bagged coffee and coffee shops.
By Bill, Business Growth Expert · Verified and checked on October 24, 2026
Short answer
Bagged coffee, beans and coffee drinks go in Class 30. A coffee shop or café is Class 43. If you do both, file in both at $350 per class. Avoid names built from origins, roast levels or flavor notes, such as “Colombian Dark Roast”, because they describe the coffee. Some origin names are certification marks controlled by grower organizations.
Which trademark classes does a coffee brand need?
| Class | Covers | Typical filer |
|---|---|---|
| Class 30 | Coffee, coffee beans, ground coffee, coffee-based drinks, tea | Roasters and packaged brands |
| Class 43 | Café, coffee shop and coffee bar services | Shops, kiosks, carts |
| Class 40 | Coffee roasting for others | Contract and toll roasters |
| Class 21 | Mugs, tumblers, non-electric coffee makers such as French presses | Branded gear |
| Class 11 | Electric coffee machines and grinders | Equipment brands |
A café that also sells its own bagged beans needs both 30 and 43, because one protects the product and the other protects the shop. For a café's name on its own, our restaurant name guide covers Class 43 in more depth. Ready-to-drink cans and bottles are covered in the beverage brand guide.
Why do origin and roast names cause problems?
Origin names
“Kona”, “Sumatra”, “Ethiopian”. These tell buyers where beans are grown, so they are treated as descriptive for coffee from that place.
Roast and flavor words
“Dark Roast”, “Espresso Blend”, “Chocolate Notes”. Every roaster needs these words, so no one can own them.
Certification marks
Some origin names are controlled by grower organizations. Colombia's coffee growers' federation, for example, runs a certification program for Colombian coffee.
The workable pattern is a distinctive brand name plus a description: “Harrow Lane Coffee — Sumatra Dark Roast”. You register Harrow Lane, and the origin and roast stay on the bag as plain description. The name is an illustration, not a searched mark.
What proof of use works for coffee?
For Class 30, send a photo of the real bag or tin with the brand on the label, or an online shop page showing the brand beside the coffee with a price and add-to-cart button. For a café in Class 43, send a photo of the storefront sign, a menu showing the name, or your website showing the name with your location and ordering. A mockup of a bag that hasn't been printed is usually refused. Still sourcing beans? You can file on an intent-to-use basis.
How much does it cost to trademark a coffee brand?
One class costs $350 in USPTO fees. A roaster that also runs a café files in 30 and 43 for $700. Intent-to-use filers pay $150 per class later for the Statement of Use. Secure Mark USA's service fee starts at $99. Compare our filing packages.
Check your coffee brand name before the bags are printed.
Run a free trademark searchCoffee brand trademark questions
What trademark class is coffee?
Coffee, coffee beans and coffee-based drinks are in Class 30. Coffee shop and café services are in Class 43.
Do I need two trademarks for my coffee shop and my bagged coffee?
You can cover both in one application by filing in Classes 30 and 43, but each class is a separate $350 USPTO fee.
Can I trademark an origin name like Kona or Colombian?
Generally not for coffee from that place, because the name describes where it was grown. Some origin names are also certification marks controlled by grower organizations.
Can I trademark a coffee blend name?
Yes, if the blend name is distinctive rather than a description of the roast, origin or flavor. Many roasters register the brand name and use plain descriptions for individual blends.
What if another roaster uses a similar name in another state?
They may have common law rights in their area even without registering. Search beyond the USPTO, including roaster websites, marketplaces and social media, before you commit to a name.
Legal disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Secure Mark USA is a trademark filing service, not a law firm. Use of certification marks and disputes with other brands require a licensed attorney.
Sources
- USPTO: Fee schedule, checked October 24, 2026
- USPTO: Trademark ID Manual (Classes 30, 40 and 43)
- USPTO: Trademark Manual of Examining Procedure (geographic marks §1210; certification marks §1306; specimens §904)
- Café de Colombia: Certification mark
Verified and checked on October 24, 2026.