Trademark Class 7: How to Protect Machine and Equipment Brands

In industries like construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, your brand name is often just as valuable as the machines you produce. If your business manufactures engines, industrial equipment, or machinery, understanding International Trademark Class 7 is critical to securing strong brand protection.

Let’s explore what Class 7 covers, look at real-world brand protection strategies, and discuss how to build a filing approach that stands up in a competitive marketplace.

What Is International Trademark Class 7?

International Trademark Class 7 is part of the Nice Classification system, a global standard for categorizing goods and services for trademark registration.

Class 7 includes:

• Machines and machine tools
• Motors and engines (except for land vehicles)
• Machine coupling and transmission components (excluding land vehicles)
• Agricultural machines (e.g., tractors, harvesters)
• Construction machines (e.g., bulldozers, excavators)
• Food processing equipment
• Textile machines
• 3D printing machines

Class 7 broadly covers machines that operate mechanically and are used in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, or other industries—not automobiles or motorcycles, which fall under Class 12.

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

Important Distinctions

• Motors and engines for land vehicles = Class 12.
• Software for controlling machines (like robotics) often falls into Class 9 in addition to Class 7.

Why Proper Classification Matters for Machine and Equipment Brands

Misclassifying or vaguely describing your goods can lead to USPTO rejections, weaker trademark rights, and vulnerability to competitors.

Caterpillar Inc. has long enforced its Class 7 trademarks across bulldozers, backhoes, and earth-moving equipment. By filing strategically, Caterpillar can prevent competitors from using confusingly similar brand names on machines that overlap its core business.

John Deere (Deere & Company) also relies heavily on Class 7 trademarks to protect its agricultural machinery. In disputes like Deere & Company v. Green Machine Equipment, Deere defended its brand identity by asserting strong machine-focused registrations.

At Harrigan IP, we help industrial equipment and machinery manufacturers navigate the complexities of Class 7 filings. Learn more about our trademark registration services.

Real-World Examples: Class 7 in Action

Leading companies that rely heavily on Class 7 trademark protection include:

• Caterpillar Inc.: Construction and mining machines.
• John Deere (Deere & Company): Agricultural equipment like tractors and combines.
• Komatsu Ltd.: Heavy industrial equipment and earth movers.
• Hitachi Construction Machinery: Cranes, excavators, and loaders.
• AGCO Corporation: Massey Ferguson tractors, agricultural machinery brands.

These companies protect their machine brands aggressively under Class 7 to maintain distinctiveness in competitive industrial sectors.

How to Draft Goods Descriptions Correctly

The USPTO expects highly specific descriptions in Class 7 applications. Vague references to \”machines\” or \”equipment\” without stating the function or industry use will likely trigger an Office Action.

Good examples include:

• “Agricultural tractors”
• “Industrial excavators”
• “Machine tools for metalworking”

For accepted phrasing, you can consult the USPTO Trademark ID Manual.

When Filing in Multiple Classes Is Necessary

Some products cross into more than one class. For example:

• Robotic arms: Physical machine (Class 7) + software controls (Class 9).
• Industrial engines for ships: Class 7 + Class 12 if for land vehicles.

Filing in multiple classes ensures that your full product line is protected. Learn more about trademark clearance and multi-class filings.

Conclusion: Protect Your Machine and Equipment Brand with Confidence

International Trademark Class 7 is essential for companies manufacturing machines, engines, and industrial equipment. Strategic classification and precise goods descriptions can strengthen your brand’s position in a competitive market.

Key takeaways:

• Class 7 covers machines, machine tools, industrial motors, and construction equipment.
• Specificity in goods descriptions is critical to avoid USPTO rejections.
• Multiple class filings may be needed for robotics, vehicle engines, or hybrid products.

Ready to protect your machinery 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.