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How to register trademarks and service marks with the State of Minnesota


Twin Cities Trademarks | Trademark Lawyers | St. Paul, MN | Minneapolis, MN Updated September 2026

Trademarks and service marks are visual symbols of your business. Registering your trademark or service mark with our office DOES NOT copyright your mark, it only registers it to ensure it is officially recognized with the state of Minnesota. Trademark registrations can be filed by mail or online as an express filing.

For information on Federal Trademark and Patent registration, you may contact the United States Patent and Trademark Office at www.uspto.gov.
 
How to register your Minnesota state trademark or service mark: Trademark Application pdf form can be found at www.sos.mn.gov/media/1809/trademarkapplication.pdf.

  1. Submit one specimen or facsimile of the mark as you have actually used it in commerce. Copies are acceptable. A typewritten statement of the mark would not be acceptable, since it would not have been in use with the public. Acceptable examples are:
    •    business card
    •    letterhead
    •    clipping from an advertisement
    •    label
    •    picture or copies of such materials
     
  2. State the words or phrase to be registered, if any. The words or phrase must be listed exactly as it appears on the specimens submitted with this application. A separate application is needed for each phrase to be registered.
     
  3.  Provide a written description of the logo design to be registered, if any. This description must depict the design as it appears on the accompanying specimen. Only one logo design is permitted per application. If none, leave blank.  Note: Stylized letters are not a logo design and should not be included in the written description.
     
  4. Indicate the classification number under which this mark falls. Go here for a list of the international system of trade and service mark classifications can be found at www.sos.mn.gov/business-liens/business-help/trademark-classes or at the bottom of this article. A separate application and fee is required for each classification in which you wish to register a mark.
     
  5. State the SPECIFIC goods or services represented by the mark. The goods or services should be specific to the classification. DO NOT use indefinite terms, such as “accessories”, “products,” or the like. Use language that would be readily understandable to the general public. For example, “t-shirts” or “dry cleaning services”. The identification of goods or services must NOT describe the mode of use of the mark, such as on labels, stationery, business cards, menus, signs or in advertising. If the applicant identifies the goods or services too broadly as, for example, “advertising and business,” or just “products,” or “services,” the application will be returned.
     
  6. State the way the mark appears on the goods or services, i.e., “on containers,” “on tags or labels affixed to the goods”, “by stamping it on the goods”.
     
  7. List the date the mark was first used in Minnesota. In order to register a mark in Minnesota, it must have been used commercially prior to registration.  If it has not yet been used in Minnesota, you cannot register the mark with this office.
     
  8. State the name and complete address of the applicant. If the applicant is an organization, list the home jurisdiction and the principal place of business in the home jurisdiction.

  9. At least one signature of a mark holder is required or an Authorized Agent. (If an Authorized Agent is signing the document, the signing party must indicate on the document that they are acting as the agent of the person(s) whose signature would be required and that they have been authorized to sign on behalf of that person(s).) Include the date, printed name of the person signing, and the title of the signer.
     

Email Address for Official Notices
This email address may be used to send annual renewal reminders and other important notices that may require action or response. Check the box if you wish to have your email address excluded from requests for bulk data, to the extent allowed by Minnesota law.
List a name and daytime telephone number of a person who can be contacted about this form.
 
Filing Fee: At the time of this article, $70 for expedited service in-person and online filings, $50 if submitted by mail Payable to the MN Secretary of State
 
Please submit all items together. and You may mail or submit in-person to the Business Service Address below:
Minnesota Secretary of State
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN 55101

Trademark classes


The Trademark Application requires you to list the classification number that you would like to protect your Trade/Service Mark under.  You may list the classification number on line 4 of the form.  Only one classification number per application may be submitted.  If you would like to register under multiple classification numbers, a separate application and fee is required for each classification desired.  

The application will also require you to list the specific goods or services within the classification you choose for your Trade/Service Mark.  The specific goods or services are listed below with the appropriate classification number.  

Trademark Application pdf form can be found here.

Goods Classes (1-34)

CLASS 1 (Chemicals)
Chemicals used in industry, science and photography, as well as in agriculture, horticulture and forestry; unprocessed artificial resins, unprocessed plastics; manures; fire extinguishing compositions; tempering and soldering preparations; chemical substances for preserving foodstuffs; tanning substances; adhesives used in industry.

CLASS 2 (Paints)
Paints, varnishes, lacquers; preservatives against rust and against deterioration of wood; colorants; mordants; raw natural resins; metals in foil and powder form for painters, decorators, printers and artists.

CLASS 3 (Cosmetics and cleaning preparations)
Bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations; soaps; perfumery, essential oils, cosmetics, hair lotions; dentifrices.

CLASS 4 (Lubricants and fuels)
Industrial oils and greases; lubricants; dust absorbing, wetting and binding compositions; fuels (including motor spirit) and illuminants; candles, wicks.

CLASS 5 (Pharmaceuticals)
Pharmaceutical, veterinary and sanitary preparations; dietetic substances adapted for medical use, food for babies; plasters, materials for dressings; material for stopping teeth, dental wax; disinfectants; preparations for destroying vermin; fungicides, herbicides.

CLASS 6 (Metal goods)
Common metals and their alloys; metal building materials; transportable buildings of metal; materials of metal for railway tracks; non-electric cables and wires of common metal; iron mongery, small items of metal hardware; pipes and tubes of metal; safes; goods of common metal not included in other classes; ores.

CLASS 7 (Machinery)
Machines and machine tools; motors and engines (except for land vehicles); machine coupling and transmission components (except for land vehicles); agricultural implements other than hand-operated; incubators for eggs.

CLASS 8 (Hand tools)
Hand tools and implements (hand operated); cutlery; side arms; razors.

CLASS 9 (Electrical and scientific apparatus)
Scientific, nautical, surveying, electric, photographic, cinematographic, optical, weighing, measuring, signaling, checking (supervision), lifesaving and teaching apparatus and instruments; apparatus for recording, transmission or reproduction of sound or images; magnetic data carriers, recording discs; automatic vending machines and mechanisms for coin operated apparatus; cash registers, calculating machines, data processing equipment and computers; fire-extinguishing apparatus.

CLASS 10 (Medical apparatus)
Surgical, medical, dental and veterinary apparatus and instruments, artificial limbs, eyes and teeth; orthopedic articles; suture materials.

CLASS 11 (Environmental control apparatus)
Apparatus for lighting, heating, steam generating, cooking, refrigerating, drying, ventilating, water supply and sanitary purposes.

CLASS 12 (Vehicles)
Vehicles; apparatus for locomotion by land, air or water.

CLASS 13 (Firearms)
Firearms; ammunition and projectiles; explosives; fireworks.

CLASS 14 (Jewelry)
Precious metals and their alloys and goods in precious metals or coated therewith, not included in other classes; jewelry, precious stones; horological and chronometric instruments.

CLASS 15 (Musical Instruments) Musical instruments.

CLASS 16 (Paper goods and printed matter)
Paper, cardboard and goods made from these materials, not included in other classes; printed matter; bookbinding material; photographs; stationery; adhesives for stationery or household purposes; artists’ materials; paint brushes; typewriters and office requisites (except furniture); instructional and teaching material (except apparatus); plastic materials for packaging (not included in other classes); playing cards; printers’ type; printing blocks. Explanatory Note

CLASS 17 (Rubber goods)
Rubber, gutta-percha, gum, asbestos, mica and goods made from these materials and not included in other classes; plastics in extruded form for use in manufacture; packing, stopping and insulating materials; flexible pipes, not of metal. Explanatory Note

CLASS 18 (Leather goods)
Leather and imitations of leather, and goods made of these materials and not included in other classes; animal skins, hides; trunks and traveling bags; umbrellas, parasols and walking sticks; whips, harness and saddlery.

CLASS 19 (Nonmetallic building materials)
Building materials (nonmetallic); nonmetallic rigid pipes for building; asphalt, pitch and bitumen; nonmetallic transportable buildings; monuments, not of metal. Explanatory Note

CLASS 20 (Furniture and articles not otherwise classified)
Furniture, mirrors, picture frames; goods (not included in other classes) of wood, cork, reed, cane, wicker, horn, bone, ivory, whalebone, shell, amber, mother-of-pearl, meerschaum and substitutes for all these materials, or of plastics.

CLASS 21 (Housewares and glass)
Household or kitchen utensils and containers (not of precious metal or coated therewith); combs and sponges; brushes (except paint brushes); brush-making materials; articles for cleaning purposes; steel wool; un-worked or semi-worked glass (except glass used in building); glassware, porcelain and earthenware not included in other classes.

CLASS 22 (Cordage and fibers)
Ropes, string, nets, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, sails, sacks and bags (not included in other classes); padding and stuffing materials (except of rubber or plastics); raw fibrous textile materials.

CLASS 24 (Fabrics)
Textiles and textile goods, not included in other classes; bed and table covers.

CLASS 25 (Clothing)
Clothing, footwear, headgear.

CLASS 26 (Fancy goods)
Lace and embroidery, ribbons and braid; buttons, hooks and eyes, pins and needles; artificial flowers.

CLASS 27 (Floor coverings)
Carpets, rugs, mats and matting, linoleum and other materials for covering existing floors; wall hangings (non-textile).

CLASS 28 (Toys and sporting goods)
Games and playthings; gymnastic and sporting articles not included in other classes; decorations for Christmas trees.

CLASS 29 (Meats and processed foods)
Meat, fish, poultry and game; meat extracts; preserved, dried and cooked fruits and vegetables; jellies, jams, fruit sauces; eggs, milk and milk products; edible oils and fats.

CLASS 30 (Staple foods)
Coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, rice, tapioca, sago, artificial coffee; flour and preparations made from cereals, bread, pastry and confectionery, ices; honey, treacle; yeast, baking-powder; salt, mustard; vinegar, sauces (condiments); spices; ice.

CLASS 31 (Natural agricultural products)
Agricultural, horticultural and forestry products and grains not included in other classes; living animals; fresh fruits and vegetables; seeds, natural plants and flowers; foodstuffs for animals, malt.

CLASS 32 (Light beverages)
Beers; mineral and aerated waters and other nonalcoholic drinks; fruit drinks and fruit juices; syrups and other preparations for making beverages.

CLASS 33 (Wine and spirits)
Alcoholic beverages (except beers).

CLASS 34 (Smokers’ articles)
Tobacco; smokers’ articles; matches.
 
________________________________________

Service Classes (35-45)
CLASS 35 (Advertising and business)
Advertising; business management; business administration; office functions.

CLASS 36 (Insurance and financial)
Insurance; financial affairs; monetary affairs; real estate affairs.

CLASS 37 (Building construction and repair)
Building construction; repair; installation services.

CLASS 38 (Telecommunications)

CLASS 39 (Transportation and storage)
Transport; packaging and storage of goods; travel arrangement.

CLASS 40 (Treatment of materials)
Treatment of materials.

CLASS 41 (Education and entertainment)
Education; providing of training; entertainment; sporting and cultural activities.

CLASS 42 Scientific and technological services and research and design relating thereto:
industrial analysis and research services; design and development of computer hardware and software; legal services

CLASS 43 Services for providing food and drink; temporary accommodations

CLASS 44 Medical services; veterinary services;
hygienic and beauty care for human beings or animals; agriculture, horticulture and forestry services.

CLASS 45 Personal and social services rendered by others to meet the needs of individuals;
security services for the protection of property and individuals.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. IP law is highly fact-specific — contact a licensed Twin Cities Trademark Attorney to discuss your particular situation. Twin Cities Trademarks is a registered trademark law firm.

Twin Cities Trademark Lawyer | Trademark Lawyer & Product Branding Lawyer | Minneapolis and  St. Paul, Minnesota

Twin Cities Trademarks is a Minnesota Trademark law firm and Minnesota Product Branding law firm providing trademark legal services to inventors, entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses throughout the Twin Cities and Minnesota.