Whether you’re manufacturing metal locks, building materials, or industrial parts, protecting your brand is critical in a crowded market. If your business deals with common metals, hardware, or metal structures, understanding International Trademark Class 6 is the first step toward securing strong trademark rights.
Let’s explore what Class 6 covers, real-world brand protection examples, and filing strategies for companies that work with metal goods.
What Is International Trademark Class 6?
International Trademark Class 6 is part of the Nice Classification system, the global standard for categorizing goods and services for trademark purposes.
Class 6 covers:
- Common metals and metal alloys
- Metal building materials (e.g., beams, poles, girders)
- Transportable metal buildings (e.g., sheds, portable shelters)
- Non-electric metal cables and wires
- Small hardware items made of metal (e.g., screws, nails, bolts)
- Metal safes
- Metal doors, gates, fences, and hinges
- Metal locks and key blanks
For a broader overview of trademark classifications, visit our International Trademark Classes Guide.
Important Distinctions
- Metal jewelry falls under Class 14 (not Class 6).
- Metal furniture belongs in Class 20 (not Class 6).
- Class 6 generally focuses on raw metal goods, construction components, and industrial materials.
Why Proper Classification Matters for Metal Goods Brands
Misclassifying metal goods can weaken brand protection and expose companies to legal risks. USPTO examiners carefully check whether products belong in Class 6 or other categories based on composition and use.
Consider Stanley Black & Decker’s enforcement actions against competitors like Steelman Tools. By properly registering trademarks for tools and metal hardware under Class 6, Stanley defended its brand from confusingly similar products.
Master Lock Company similarly protects its locks, padlocks, and safes through strong Class 6 filings, preventing brand dilution in the highly competitive security hardware market.
At Harrigan IP, we help companies file Class 6 trademarks with the specificity and strategy needed to maximize protection. Learn more about our trademark registration services.
Real-World Examples: Class 6 in Action
Major metal goods companies that rely heavily on Class 6 trademarks include:
- Stanley Black & Decker: Tools, locks, small metal hardware.
- Master Lock Company: Locks, padlocks, safes.
- Assa Abloy Group: Door locks, security hardware systems.
- Valmont Industries: Metal poles, beams, and structural components.
Trademark enforcement in the metal goods sector often hinges on Class 6 filings that clearly define the metal nature of the goods.
How to Draft Goods Descriptions Correctly
Goods descriptions for Class 6 must clearly indicate that the products are made of metal. Vague references to \”hardware\” or \”building materials\” without material specification can lead to USPTO Office Actions.
Strong examples include:
- “Metal hinges for doors”
- “Metal safes for securing valuables”
- “Non-electric metal cables for construction purposes”
For accepted phrasing, consult the USPTO Trademark ID Manual.
When Filing in Multiple Classes Is Necessary
Your product may require coverage across different classes depending on its function:
- Metal furniture frames (Class 6) and fully assembled furniture (Class 20).
- Metal jewelry components (Class 14) vs. metal fasteners (Class 6).
Filing in multiple classes ensures that your brand is protected across all commercial applications. Learn more about trademark clearance and multi-class filings.
Conclusion: Protect Your Metal Goods Brand with Confidence
International Trademark Class 6 is essential for businesses working with common metals, construction components, and industrial hardware. Filing strategically—using clear goods descriptions and considering cross-class protection—can build a strong foundation for brand success.
Key takeaways:
- Class 6 covers metal hardware, building materials, and industrial goods.
- Specificity in goods descriptions is critical for strong protection.
- Multiple class filings may be necessary depending on product use.
Ready to protect your metal goods 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.
