Trademark Class 12: How to Protect Vehicle Brands

For companies manufacturing vehicles, automotive parts, or transportation devices, brand protection is critical. Whether you’re building electric cars, motorcycles, boats, or drones, understanding International Trademark Class 12 is essential for securing enforceable rights and maintaining competitive advantage.

Let’s walk through what Class 12 covers, highlight real-world examples, and offer practical tips for trademark filings tied to the vehicle and transportation industries.

What Is International Trademark Class 12?

International Trademark Class 12 is part of the Nice Classification system, the internationally accepted system for organizing goods and services for trademark registration.

Class 12 includes:

• Automobiles and electric vehicles
• Motorcycles, scooters, bicycles
• Trucks, buses, and vans
• Boats, yachts, and personal watercraft
• Aircraft and drones
• Railway cars and trams
• Tires, wheels, and structural parts of vehicles

Important: Class 12 covers the vehicles themselves and integral components. Accessories or electronics that are not structural (like GPS units) often belong in Class 9.

For a broader overview of trademark classifications, visit our International Trademark Classes Guide.

Why Proper Classification Matters for Vehicle and Locomotion Brands

Proper classification under Class 12 is critical for manufacturers and technology companies entering the transportation space. Misclassification can lead to USPTO Office Actions, delays, and a weaker enforcement position against infringers.

Tesla, Inc. aggressively protects its Class 12 trademarks for electric cars, structural components, and vehicle designs. By maintaining clear and comprehensive filings, Tesla has successfully stopped copycat brands attempting to leverage its reputation in the growing EV market.

Ferrari S.p.A. is another key example. Ferrari not only protects its famous wordmarks but also registers distinctive vehicle designs under Class 12, safeguarding the brand’s identity against unauthorized replicas and imitations.

At Harrigan IP, we help transportation companies, EV startups, and manufacturers build trademark strategies that secure their market presence. Learn more about our trademark registration services.

Real-World Examples: Class 12 in Action

Leading brands actively protecting their transportation trademarks under Class 12 include:

• Tesla, Inc.: Electric vehicles, charging units, automotive parts.
• Ferrari S.p.A.: High-performance automobiles, vehicle designs.
• Ford Motor Company: Trucks, electric vehicles, hybrid cars.
• Toyota Motor Corporation: Automobiles, hydrogen vehicles.
• Honda Motor Co., Ltd.: Motorcycles, automobiles, drones.

Class 12 registrations protect not only the vehicles themselves but also the reputation and goodwill tied to them.

How to Draft Goods Descriptions Correctly

The USPTO expects specificity when filing Class 12 trademark applications. Overly broad descriptions like “vehicles” may lead to Office Actions requiring clarification.

Good examples of acceptable goods descriptions include:

• “Electric automobiles”
• “Motorcycles and scooters”
• “Personal watercraft”
• “Drones for civilian use”

For more examples of accepted goods descriptions, you can consult the USPTO Trademark ID Manual.

When Filing in Multiple Classes Is Necessary

Many modern transportation products cross into multiple classes:

• Electric vehicles (hardware in Class 12) with integrated software (Class 9).
• Automotive entertainment systems (hardware in Class 9).
• Mobile apps for vehicle management (Class 9 or Class 42).

Strategic filing across relevant classes ensures complete protection for all aspects of your product and brand. Learn more about trademark clearance and multi-class filings.

Conclusion: Protect Your Vehicle and Transportation Brand with Confidence

International Trademark Class 12 provides the foundation for protecting brands tied to vehicles, transportation devices, and integral automotive components. Filing correctly—and considering multi-class protection when necessary—can secure your market position and defend against future infringement.

Key takeaways:

• Class 12 covers automobiles, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, and drones.
• Precise goods descriptions are critical for strong trademark rights.
• Technology integration often requires multi-class trademark strategies.

Ready to protect your vehicle or transportation brand? Contact Harrigan IP today to discuss your trademark strategy, or start your trademark application online.

Want to learn more? Explore our articles on what a trademark is, why trademark clearance matters, and our flat-fee trademark services.