Q: Does one trademark protect the whole class of goods regardless of what I'm currently selling?

A: In Georgia, obtaining a trademark for specific goods within a class, such as dog collars and leashes in class 18, provides protection for those specific goods but doesn't automatically extend to all goods within the same class. While trademarks are registered under specific classes to broadly categorize the nature of the goods or services, protection is generally limited to the specific goods or services listed in the registration. If you plan to expand your product line to include backpacks within the same class, it's advisable to ensure that your trademark application explicitly includes or is amended to include backpacks to ensure they are also protected under your trademark. This approach helps in preventing potential infringement and ensures broader protection within the class.

A: Trademarks provide protection for specific goods or services that are covered by the trademark registration. While your trademark registration for dog collars and leashes in class 18 would provide protection for those specific products, it would not automatically extend to cover backpacks or other products in the same class. Each trademark registration is limited to the goods or services listed in the application and approved by the trademark office.

If you plan to start selling backpacks in the future and want trademark protection for them, you would need to file a separate trademark application specifically for backpacks in class 18. This would ensure that your trademark rights are extended to cover the new product line and provide legal protection against infringement by others in that category.

It's important to conduct thorough research and consider consulting with a trademark attorney to ensure that your trademark application accurately reflects the goods you intend to protect. By filing separate trademark applications for each product category, you can strengthen your legal protection and safeguard your brand against potential infringement in all areas of your business.