Trademark Registration – Classification Guide Class 42 in Japan

I’ve decided to start a freelance web development business! I’ve already got the service name and logo ready, so I’d like to register them as trademarks to prevent anyone else from copying them.
I want to secure the domain name, too.

In that case, you must not forget to designate Class 42, which includes “computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software”! There are many services related to scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto. Please chek it out.

Wait, what? I’m a designer, not a programmer. Is it really okay for me to specify “computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software”?

Class 42 is a category for scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto.

Class 42 mainly includes architectural design, design services, computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software, rental of computers, providing computer programs on data networks, and also includes testing, inspection or research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or foodstuffs.

It may be easier to associate this class with: (1) scientific and technological research, study, and design, and (2) the design and development of computers and computer software.

Services included and NOT included in Class 42

List of main services in Class 42

The main services included in Class 42 are listed below.

These services can be designated by Amazing DX.

• providing meteorological information
• architectural design; surveying
• geological surveys or research
• designing of machines, apparatus, instruments [including their parts] or systems composed of such machines, apparatus and instruments
• design services
• computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software
• technological advice relating to computers, automobiles and industrial machines
• testing, inspection or research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or foodstuffs
• research on building construction or city planning; testing or research on prevention of pollution; testing or research on electricity; testing or research on civil engineering
• testing, inspection or research on agriculture, livestock breeding or fisheries
• testing or research on machines, apparatus and instruments
• rental of measuring apparatus
• rental of computers; providing computer programs on data networks
• rental of laboratory apparatus and instruments
• rental of telescopes
• rental of technical drawing instruments

The above list of “main services included in Class 42” is just an example.

Let’s take a closer look at the specific services that are included in Class 42, and those that are not.

What should you do if you want to specify such items? (Services included in Class 42)

Architectural Design and Surveying

When you want to specify Amazing DX, please select: “Architectural design; surveying”

For example:

• Golf course design
• Planning and design of retail premises
• Urban planning
• Land surveying

Testing, Inspection or Research Services for Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Food Products

When you want to specify Amazing DX, please select: “Testing, inspection or research of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or foodstuffs”

For example:

• Cosmetic research
• Research and development services relating to vaccines
• Research and development services in the field of food

In addition, services involving scientific testing, research, or development other than pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food products are also classified under the same similar group code.

Design Services

This category includes industrial design and commercial design services provided by professionals such as designers.

When you want to specify Amazing DX, please select: “Design services”

For example:

• Design of costumes
• Interior design
• Graphic arts design
• Design of show scenery
• Packaging design
• Logo design services

Computer Program Design, Development, and Maintenance

This category covers services provided by software development companies and similar providers.

When you want to specify Amazing DX, please select: “Computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software”

For example:

• Creating or maintaining website for others
• Development of computer platforms
• Computer system design
• Computer software design
• Maintenance of computer software

So a website is treated as software, meaning it falls under “Computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software.”
Since there are cases where only design work is provided, I’m thinking it might be better to designate both “Design services” and “Computer software design, computer programming, or maintenance of computer software.”

Other services

Services NOT included in Class 42

Marketing research, business research, and other related services

• Business investigations [Class 35]
• Marketing research [Class 35]
• Research on financial or fiscal matters [Class 36]
• Research in the field of education [Class 41]
• Research in legal matters [Class 45]

Office work and after-sales services, etc. using computers

• Management of computerised files [Class 35]
• Compilation of information into computer databases [Class 35]
• Providing business assistance to others in the operation of data processing apparatus namely, computers, typewriters, telex machines and other similar office machines [Class 35]
• Repair or maintenance of computers [Class 37]

I see! So it’s not like every single computer-related service falls under Class 42.

Other services NOT included in Class 42

• Mining extraction; oil and gas drilling [Class 37]
• Sound engineering services [Class 41]
• Landscape design [Class 44]
• Medical and veterinary services [Class 44]
• Providing services for legal issues [Class 45]

Let’s file a trademark application designating services under Class 42!

Class 42 is a classification that covers scientific and technological services, as well as research and design relating thereto.

• Web design and production
• The IT industry (SaaS, PaaS)
• Scientific and technological research and study, etc.

If you are involved in these fields, please first consider Class 42.

On Amazing DX, you can easily select designated goods and services online.

It is easy to start by searching with a wide selection of services, and then re-search after removing only those marked with an “X” based on the search results.

If you are unsure about which goods or services to select, our patent attorneys specializing in trademarks will answer your questions. Please feel free to contact us via chat.