Legal Definitions - Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual

Term: Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual

The Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual is an official publication from the U.S. government, specifically designed for businesses and individuals applying for trademarks with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Its purpose is to provide a standardized guide for describing and categorizing the specific products (goods) or activities (services) that a trademark will cover. This manual lists pre-approved descriptions and assigns them to internationally recognized classes, ensuring consistency and clarity in trademark applications.

Here are some examples illustrating how this manual is used:

• Example 1: A new software company
  Imagine a startup developing a unique mobile application for managing personal finances. When they apply to trademark their app's name, they need to clearly state what goods or services the trademark will protect. They would consult the Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual to find the correct international class for "computer software" or "financial management software" and use the precise, approved wording to describe their specific application. This ensures their application accurately reflects the scope of their trademark protection and avoids delays from the USPTO needing clarification.
• Example 2: An artisanal bakery
  A small business specializing in gourmet gluten-free bread wants to trademark its brand name and distinctive logo. To do this, they must identify their products accurately. The bakery owner would refer to the manual to locate the appropriate international class for "baked goods" or "gluten-free food products." They would then select an approved description, such as "breads, gluten-free" or "bakery products," to include in their trademark application. This helps the USPTO understand exactly which products are associated with the proposed trademark.
• Example 3: A unique fitness studio
  Consider a new fitness studio offering specialized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes and personalized coaching. When applying to trademark the name of their studio and their signature workout program, they need to describe these services correctly. The studio owner would use the Acceptable Identification of Goods and Services Manual to find the relevant international class for "fitness instruction" or "personal training services." They would then choose an approved description like "providing fitness training services" or "group exercise instruction" to ensure their trademark application is clear and meets USPTO requirements.