Trademark Class 13: How to Protect Firearms and Ammunition

If your business involves firearms, ammunition, or even replica weapons like airsoft or paintball guns, trademark protection might not be the first thing on your radar—but it should be. Whether you’re building a legacy firearm brand or launching a line of tactical gear, registering your trademark in the correct class is essential.

For businesses in this space, that means understanding Trademark Class 13: the international trademark class that covers firearms, ammunition, explosives, and certain weapon accessories. This article walks you through what’s covered in Class 13, common pitfalls, and how to protect your brand effectively in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

What Is International Trademark Class 13?

Trademark Class 13 is one of the 45 classes under the Nice Classification System, the internationally accepted system used to organize trademark applications. Class 13 specifically covers:

• Firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns)
• Ammunition and projectiles (bullets, cartridges)
• Explosives and pyrotechnics (grenades, fireworks)
• Replica and training weapons (airsoft, paintball, non-lethal defense tools)
• Certain firearm accessories, like suppressors and holsters when sold in connection with Class 13 goods

What’s Not Covered?

• Bows and arrows: Class 28 (sporting goods)
• Security services: Class 45
• Hunting apparel: Class 25
• Ballistics software: Class 9

Being precise with classification is critical. Misfiled applications can result in refusals, weaker protection, or inability to enforce your rights.

Why Classification Matters for Firearm and Ammunition Brands

Correct classification ensures that your registration covers the right products and can be enforced against competitors or counterfeiters. It also protects you from challenges during the registration process.

Common Filing Issues:

• Vague Descriptions: Using general terms like “weapons” instead of “semi-automatic rifles” or “shotgun shells” will almost always trigger an Office Action.
• Overlapping Use: A firearm with integrated software or sensors may require filing in multiple classes (e.g., Classes 13 and 9).
• Imitation Goods: Products like airsoft guns, though non-lethal, often fall under Class 13 because of their realistic resemblance to actual firearms.

Example: Glock GmbH has aggressively opposed filings for airsoft and replica guns that use the term “GLOCK” or feature similar trade dress. These disputes highlight the importance of protecting your Class 13 trademarks across the full spectrum of physical and digital imitation.

Real-World Class 13 Trademark Examples

Several household names in the firearms and ammunition space rely on Class 13 filings to protect their brand identity and proprietary designs.

Notable Class 13 Trademark Holders:

• GLOCK GmbH: Owns word marks and trade dress for its pistols and has taken legal action against infringing replica sellers.
• Smith & Wesson: Protects its word marks, stylized logos, and model names for revolvers, rifles, and branded accessories.
• Hornady Manufacturing: Has registered trademarks for ammunition names (e.g., CRITICAL DEFENSE®), distinctive bullet designs, and packaging trade dress.
• SIG SAUER and Ruger: Both protect firearm names and styles, including silencers and muzzle devices.
• Remington Arms: Enforces its marks globally and has fought unauthorized registrations abroad by trademark squatters.

How to Describe Goods in a Class 13 Trademark Application

The USPTO scrutinizes firearm-related goods descriptions more closely than most. Precision is key.

✅ Good Descriptions (compliant with the USPTO Trademark ID Manual):

• “Semi-automatic pistols”
• “Rifle scopes sold in connection with firearms”
• “Explosive charges for mining”
• “Firearm silencers”
• “Shotgun shells”

❌ Poor Descriptions:

• “Weapons”
• “Firearms and stuff”
• “Explosives” (without specifying purpose or type)

Using accepted ID language helps avoid delays and ensures your application proceeds smoothly.

When You Should File in Multiple Classes

Firearms businesses often diversify. If you’re expanding your product line, think carefully about whether your trademark needs to be filed in more than one class.

Learn more about multi-class trademark strategy.

Regulatory Overlap: Trademarks vs. ATF Oversight

It’s worth noting that trademark registration does not authorize manufacture, sale, or distribution of firearms or ammunition. You must still comply with all applicable Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regulations.

But a trademark can be a powerful tool for asserting exclusive branding rights—and challenging bad actors who misuse your brand on counterfeit or unauthorized products.

Conclusion: Don’t Misfire on Your Trademark Strategy

Trademark Class 13 plays a critical role in protecting firearms, ammunition, and explosive brands. But it’s a high-stakes space where mistakes can cost time, money, and reputation.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Class 13 covers firearms, ammunition, explosives, and replica weapons.
• Use specific, USPTO-approved descriptions for your goods.
• File in multiple classes if your brand spans apparel, software, or services.
• Enforcement can be tough—be proactive in policing your rights.

Ready to register or enforce your Class 13 trademark?
Contact Harrigan IP to schedule a consultation or start your application online.

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